Siemens tests a hydrogen-powered regional train in Bavaria

Rail transport will play a crucial role in the mobility of the future. Hardly any other means of transport manages to bring a large number of passengers from A to B in a short time and with only very low emissions. Nevertheless, there is still some catching up to do here, because not every train is electric and powered by green electricity.

The use of hydrogen on non-electrified routes has therefore been discussed for some time, and a new project in Bavaria is now (alongside other projects that are already running internationally) to test its practicality. Because from 2023 passengers will be brought to their destination by hydrogen train,

The forward-looking project is being carried out in cooperation between the Free State of Bavaria, the Bavarian Regiobahn and Siemens. The latter is also developing the vehicle, which consists of two wagons and is based on the Mireo Plus H platform. The trains are to be used on the route between Augsburg and Füssen.

In total, the train can cover a distance of up to 800 kilometers, then a break at the petrol station is necessary. The next few years will therefore also show whether corresponding processes can be optimally embedded in everyday operations. The project is particularly important for the Free State, as hydrogen reflects the core element of its own hydrogen strategy.

Therefore, the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger did not hold back with positive statements. Hydrogen technology will make an important contribution to the decarbonisation of transport, said the minister. Karl Blaim from Siemens Mobility says that sustainable energies play an important role, especially on regional non-electrified routes.

Own opinion:

It is positive to see that more and more emitting processes are being exchanged for sustainable alternatives, but when it comes to hydrogen, it remains to be seen whether the train will ultimately also run on green (or at least blue) hydrogen. After all, what good is a train that emits water if coal is burned elsewhere for its fuel?

Via Siemens