Germany has found a way to replace the diesel-powered trains that run in Lower Saxony, one of the country’s states, with the aim of offering an alternative that is not only much more sustainable, but also less noisy. As of this September, five fully hydrogen powered trainswhich emit only steam and condensed water and, therefore, are free of CO2 emissions.
The trains, developed by the French company ALstom, are capable of reaching 1,000 kilometers on a single charge in its hydrogen tankwhich makes it possible to complete the daily route of the Lower Saxony railway network without any problem and, therefore, to recharge the tank once a day at a hydrogen service station that Linde, a German gas company, has built.
Hydrogen trains are also considerably more efficient and respectful of the environment compared to diesel fuel trains. In fact, and according to data shared by ALstom, one kilogram of hydrogen would replace approximately 4.5 liters of diesel fuel.
Hydrogen trains to replace diesel trains on non-electrified rail networks
At the moment, Germany has five hydrogen-powered trains already in circulation between the lines connecting Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervörde and Buxtehude. These, moreover, they have replaced five of the 15 diesel-powered trains that make that journey. It is expected that another 9 models will be added in the coming months to replace the rest of the most polluting models.
It is, without a doubt, an interesting and sustainable alternative for those railway networks that are not yet electrified. In fact, in Germany alone, there are more than 4,000 diesel-powered trains. Hydrogen-powered trains developed by ALstom also have another important advantage: they are quieter than diesel trains.
Germany, in particular, has invested 8.4 million euros to cover the costs of the vehicles. Also 4.3 million euros for the Linde hydrogen service stations. They hope to continue to replace diesel trains in Frankfurt with the acquisition of 27 models. ALstom has also closed contracts with countries such as Italy, where they expect to deliver up to 14 models. Also in France, where they will deliver 12 hydrogen trains.