Deutsche Bahn wants to work with Siemens to develop a regional train powered by fuel cells. Together with petrol stations, it is intended to replace diesel multiple units and thus help significantly reduce CO 2 emissions on the railways.

The train that Siemens Mobility is to build is based on the Mireo Plus regional multiple unit. As a two-part version, it will be equipped with a newly developed hydrogen drive. The train, then called Mireo Plus H, should be as powerful as electric multiple units, maximum 160 km / h be fast and be able to drive km with one full tank 600.

Fully fueled in 15 minutes The DB wants to develop a hydrogen filling station with which the train can be transported within 15 minutes, so it can be refueled in the same time as a diesel train. The hydrogen is produced in Tübingen by DB Energie with the help of green electricity. Deutsche Bahn is converting the maintenance workshop in Ulm so that the hydrogen train can be serviced there. Initially, a one-year trial run of the train between Tübingen, Horb and Pforzheim is planned for 2024. The route is particularly suitable because of the exemplary timing of the timetable for regional traffic and the varied topography, explains the railway.

The emission-free Coradia iLint train from Alstom (7 pictures) The Coradia iLint should not only emit no toxic exhaust gases, but also be quieter than other trains. (Image: Alstom)

Hydrogen trains are already on the way in Germany. After good 100. 000 km of test runs of the two fuel cell trains manufactured by Siemens’ competitor Alstom between Bremervörde, Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven and Buxtehude, the operators summed up last year Summer, they would have proven their worth. Until the end 2021 should be on the round 100 kilometers long route the diesel train fleet through 14 hydrogen trains are replaced. Then there will be a permanent hydrogen filling station in Bremervörde.

Siemens is developing its Mireo Plus H together with Ballard Power Systems, a Canadian fuel cell manufacturer. They also want to develop a new generation of fuel cells that have a particularly long service life, power density and improved efficiency. The Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen is participating in the project.

(anw)