In a bid to revolutionize the long-haul rail industry, Germany is making a second attempt at integrating hydrogen fuel cell electric trains into its network. Last year's pioneering effort by Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen (LNVG) proved short-lived, leading to the decision to opt for battery-electric trains. However, Siemens Mobility, in collaboration with Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB), is back in the game with the Mireo Plus H, a hydrogen-powered train designed to operate on routes connecting Augsburg, Füssen, and Peissenberg. The state of Bavaria aims to phase out diesel operations by 2040, exploring various green alternatives, including hydrogen propulsion.

Siemens' Mireo Plus H employs a unique approach to electrification, featuring pairs of trains known as trainsets. The system relies on roof-mounted fuel cells and a lithium-ion battery to ensure a CO2-free mobility range of 1,000-1,200 kilometers between refueling, with a top speed of 160 km/h. Bavaria's Transport Minister, Christian Bernreiter, remains cautiously optimistic about the project, acknowledging hydrogen's potential as a vital factor in achieving their decarbonization goals.

As Germany embraces the hydrogen future for its railways, global interest in green hydrogen technology is on the rise. India, in particular, is gearing up for its own "Hydrogen for Heritage" initiative, involving the construction of a green hydrogen production facility and fueling station by GreenH Electrolysis. The Indian Railways plan to introduce 35 hydrogen trains on narrow-gauge heritage routes by 2024. The initiative aligns with India's broader ambitions to become a global hub for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen.

Source: cleantechnica.com