Reading about Hydrogen powered vehicles for some time with Europe as far as I can tell the only block (collection of countries) where hydrogen trains are really being tested and limited at that.  Germany and France are doing some trials but no where else.

I am not therefore surprised Canada is still going with proven electrification and they are green power in many cases.

• 67% of Canada’s electricity comes from renewable sources and 82% from non-GHG emitting sources
• Canada is the world’s third largest producer of hydroelectricity
• Canada exports about 8% of the electricity it generates to the United States. There are 34 active major international transmission lines connecting Canada to the U.S.

It is therefore easy to see why electrification is the only choice for their networks.

When it comes to the USA Biden will ensure electrification continues with California starting to now electrify the bay area rail networks.

Victoria and South Australia are big generators of renewables with battery technologies also being deployed so why are Victoria (South Australia is deploying more) not delivering more electrification projects outside of rail network upgrades to reduce carbon emissions and clean up the shocking SCS station diesel particulate issues?

Hydrogen rejected as alternative to commuter railway electrification

Return on investment probably isn't that great on long distance V/line services going overhead electric.  And it would need to be 25kV AC in comparison to suburban 1500 VDC.  That adds more cost and complexity.

Geelong and Ballarat down the track - yes.  Maybe Gippsland too.

Return on investment must include the cost to the environment and not just stupid politics. The Ballarat and Geelong lines should have been done already.

Return on investment must include the cost to the environment and not just stupid politics. The Ballarat and Geelong lines should have been done already.

So at night and when the wind doesn't blow we cannot run trains.  Are you lot serious?  

Batteries and hydrogen are many years away from being useful, reliable and cost effective.  But bugger practicality and the economics we must save the environment at all costs.  But save it from what and why?  

We have a religious fervour to appease the climate gods of course.  A brand new religion for the virtuosity seeking atheists.

Happy moralising,

John

Return on investment must include the cost to the environment and not just stupid politics. The Ballarat and Geelong lines should have been done already.

Very true.

I have little confidence in the way any project benefit analysis is done in Australia. There are some projects which should not have an ROI and public transport projects are one.  Business cases look at return for the investment in terms of dollars.  if you consider the cost of emissions with all the diesel stuff spewing out and the maintenance of engines, transmissions and fuel points, diesel costs and environmental factors electrification as Canada, the USA, and the UK and Europe (well just about everyone) have already now begun making billions of $$ investment in electrification.  Australian renewables are increasing now.

Power in the evenings, well how do the trams run in that case where announcements have already been made in renewable power purchases?