A fleet of hydrogen passenger trains is now running in Germany. Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, says these 14 trains are used on the world’s premiere 100 percent hydrogen train route in passenger operation.
German officials say they’re the first in the world, replacing 14 diesel trains that previously operated on nonelectrified tracks in the state of Lower Saxony.
“Emission-free mobility is one of the most important goals for ensuring a sustainable future and Alstom has a clear ambition to become the world leader in alternative propulsion systems for rail. The world’s first hydrogen train, the Coradia iLint, demonstrates our clear commitment to green mobility combined with state-of-the-art technology. We are very proud to bring this technology into series operation as part of a world premiere, together with our great partners,” says Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Alstom.
State governor Stephan Weil said the $92 million project was an “excellent example” of Lower Saxony’s efforts to make its economy greener.
The Coradia iLint Trains
The 14 Coradia iLint trains use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity that powers the engines. The fuel cell supplies electrical energy by combining hydrogen, which is stored in tanks on board, and oxygen from the outside air. The zero-emission train emits low levels of noise, and the only exhaust is steam and condensed water.
They have a range of up to 621 miles and a maximum speed of 87 miles per hour. These trains will save more than 422,000 gallons of diesel fuel a year.
The iLint is special because it combines different innovative elements: clean energy conversion, flexible energy storage in batteries, and smart management of traction power and available energy.
The trains are manufactured by French company Alstom and are operated by regional rail company LNVG on routes between the northern towns of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervörde, and Buxtehude.
World’s First Hydrogen Filling Station
With the first hydrogen train, there must be a way to fill it up. The world’s first hydrogen filling station for passenger trains is in operation in Bremervörde, Germany. The trains will be refueled there daily and around the clock if necessary.
Hydrogen is currently produced as a byproduct of chemical processes, but German specialty gas company Linde plans to manufacture it locally using only renewable energy within 3 years.
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