Nordjyske Jernbaner is currently working on the green transformation of rail transport. The first sub-goal is to ensure fossil-free propulsion, after which the next goal is to make the trains emission-free (presumably) through electric propulsion from around 2035. Potentially, the emission-free propulsion will take place via various solutions south and north of the fjord as well as with a train fleet that over time will be adjusted and adapted, which means that the green transition is approached over stages.

Through dialogue and technical analyses, Nordjyske Jernbaner is currently in the process of creating the necessary and qualifying basis for decision-making, which can point to which solutions are best over time and under the given conditions, thus to be most compatible with existing infrastructure, economy and environmental considerations

In this connection, the advantages, disadvantages and financial consequences of a conversion of the current train fleet to propulsion with alternative green fuels, including green hydrogen, are among other things being looked at. To clarify this, Nordjyske Jernbaner has entered into a collaboration with Hydrogen Valley in Hobro, which must carry out a thorough analysis of the applicability of the various alternative and fossil-free fuels in Nordjyske Jernbaner’s existing train sets. The analysis must be very concretely based on the routes, train sets and operational patterns that Nordjyske Jernbaner works with today. As another part of the analysis phase, Nordjyske Jernbaner also participates in the Interreg project “Green Jutland Corridor”, where, together with a large number of Danish and Norwegian partners, knowledge is shared about, among other things, the green transition and gain an insight into the various bases of experience. . At Nordjyske Jernbaner, we look forward to learning more about and uncovering which scenarios make the best possible sense for the environment as well as the economy on the North Jutland railways in the coming months. The board of Nordjyske Jernbaner will be presented with the report and the analyzes at the end of the year.

In this connection, the advantages, disadvantages and financial consequences of a conversion of the current train fleet to propulsion with alternative green fuels, including green hydrogen, are among other things being looked at. To clarify this, Nordjyske Jernbaner has entered into a collaboration with Hydrogen Valley in Hobro, which must carry out a thorough analysis of the applicability of the various alternative and fossil-free fuels in Nordjyske Jernbaner’s existing train sets. The analysis must be very concretely based on the routes, train sets and operational patterns that Nordjyske Jernbaner works with today.

As another part of the analysis phase, Nordjyske Jernbaner also participates in the Interreg project “Green Jutland Corridor”, where, together with a large number of Danish and Norwegian partners, knowledge is shared about, among other things, the green transition and gain an insight into the various bases of experience.

At Nordjyske Jernbaner, we look forward to learning more about and uncovering which scenarios make the best possible sense for the environment as well as the economy on the North Jutland railways in the coming months. The board of Nordjyske Jernbaner will be presented with the report and the analyzes at the end of the year.

In the image is featured from left Martin Sort Mikkelsen, Managing Director and in right side Technical Manager, Morten Muff Jensen. On a daily basis, they operate from a site in Hjørring and are responsible for ensuring the green development of Nordjyske Jernbaner’s trains.

Hydrogen as a green fuel

Hydrogen is the 1st element in the periodic table and the most abundant element in the universe. On earth, hydrogen is almost never found in its pure form, but can be extracted from fossil or renewable energy sources. The latter is called “green hydrogen”, which is produced by electrolysis on the basis of renewable energy.

The conversion of green energy into hydrogen means that the energy can be stored, and you can thus utilize e.g. green wind turbine power from days when more is produced than the grid can handle. Hydrogen can then be used either in its pure form – for example in the transport sector or in industrial processes where hydrogen is already used – or hydrogen can form the basis for further processing processes for the production of high-value products with a multitude of application possibilities in the entire energy system.

Methanol is a refinement of hydrogen that is considered promising as a future fuel, as it has excellent combustion properties and is easy to handle both logistically and also in terms of safety. Despite the fact that its energy density, which is approx. half that of gasoline, it has a higher-octane rating than gasoline, allowing for a higher compression ratio and increased combustion efficiency.

Methanol can be used directly in an internal combustion engine with minor modifications, or it can be blended with gasoline to produce a high-octane and efficient fuel with lower emissions than conventional gasoline. In addition to the apparent possibilities in an internal combustion engine, methanol is also considered a particularly promising marine fuel. Due to the extensive experience in handling and storing methanol, it can be integrated relatively easily into the current infrastructure for the transport sector.