Hydrogen Powered Train by Siemens

The locomotive, which operates on hydrogen fuel cell electricity, "could replace diesel-powered trains in regional traffic and reduce carbon emissions on railways to zero," according to Deutsche Bahn.

May 06, 2022. By News Bureau

Traditionally locomotives run on diesel which causes pollution, if the railways want to be carbon-free, then they need to adopt another power source.

The locomotive, which operates on hydrogen fuel cell electricity, "could replace diesel-powered trains in regional traffic and reduce carbon emissions on railways to zero," according to Deutsche Bahn.

Siemens, the German industrial giant, revealed its first hydrogen-powered train on Thursday, created in collaboration with Deutsche Bahn and set to enter regional service in 2024.
In a statement, Deutsche Bahn stated that the locomotive, which operates on energy generated by a hydrogen fuel cell, "could replace diesel-powered trains in regional traffic and reduce carbon emissions on railways to zero."

As reported by AFP, according to Michael Theurer, state secretary at the German transport ministry, hydrogen-powered trains are part of the German government's ambition to "electrify 75% of the rail network by 2030."

Fuel cells produce clean electricity from reactions involving hydrogen and oxygen, with water as the only byproduct.

While most hydrogen currently comes from the gas sector, the Siemens Mireo Plus H train will use "green hydrogen" derived from renewable sources.

"Each train delivered will save up to 45,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide for a lifetime of 30 years," said Michael Peter, who heads Siemens Mobility.

If everything goes according to plan, Mireo Plus H will start its testing in 2023 in South-Western Germany before going commercial in 2024, transporting commuters between Tuebingen, Horb, and Pforzheim.

Siemens is attempting to catch up to French competitor Alstom, which already has hydrogen-powered trains in the market.

Alstom has received orders for 41 trains from two German states, and trials have already taken place in Austria, Poland, and France.

Tags:

Hydrogen / Fuel Cells