Chongqing- China's first self-developed hydrogen-powered intelligent intercity train set, CINOVA H₂, was recently unveiled at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, Germany, marking a significant milestone in green rail transportation.

China's first hydrogen-powered intelligent intercity train was unveiled at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin. (Photo/China Association of Metros)

The CINOVA H₂, designed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, is a green rail passenger system that combines China's first intercity technology platform, CINOVA, with advanced hydrogen rail technology. 

Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, it generates electricity through the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, enabling it to carry more passengers, travel faster, and cover longer distances than its international counterparts.

InnoTrans, one of the world's largest rail transportation exhibitions, featured over 2,800 enterprises from 59 countries, with Chinese companies representing a record 6.87% of exhibitors. Notably, several innovations in urban rail transportation, including those from Chongqing, were showcased.

Chongqing City Transportation Development & Investment Group Co., Ltd hosted the Chongqing Series of Straddle-Type Monorail Conference, showcasing the city's leadership in China's first straddle-type monorail system. 

After two decades of innovation, the system now includes a comprehensive industry chain and four generations of upgrades, offering A-type, B1-type, B2-type, and airport MRT-type monorails adaptable to diverse climates and construction costs.

Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT) Line 2. (Photo/Zuo Quan)

Another highlight is the CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Co., Ltd. debuted its Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) 2.0 at the exhibition. This system incorporates advanced technologies like virtual track automatic tracing, intelligent driving, signal priority, and vehicle-circuit coordination, enabling fully automated driving in diverse city scenarios.

The Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) 2.0 at the exhibition. (Photo/China Association of Metros)

Designed for medium-to-low passenger volumes, the ART combines the advantages of trams and road vehicles, using rubber wheels and virtual tracks. This innovative design eliminates the need for tracks and catenary, significantly reducing construction and maintenance costs.

"The ART 2.0 embraces versatility in power sources, accommodating fast-charging lithium batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen energy, and overhead catenary systems, tailored to diverse operational needs," emphasized Xiao Lei, an engineer from CRRC.

Participants are taking photos of the Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) 2.0. (Photo/China Association of Metros)

Data from CRRC shows that China has built nine ART lines covering over 15 million kilometers, serving more than 35 million passengers and reducing carbon emissions by over 24,500 tons. Additionally, ART systems have been implemented in the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.

"We are committed to empowering the world with myriad rail transit system solutions driven by sustainable technological innovation," remarked Ma Yunshuang, President of CRRC.

During the event, the China Association of Metros released 17 standards in foreign languages, including Urban Rail Transit-System Specification for Interoperability of Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) System, Part 1: General System Requirements. These standards aim to guide the construction and operation of rail transit CBTC systems worldwide and share China's experiences in this field.