Deutsche Bahn and Siemens Mobility have just presented the new Mireo Plus H, consisting of a hydrogen-powered train and a mobile hydrogen storage trailer for fast refueling.
The train and its new infrastructure, which are part of the German H2goesRail project, aim to replace diesel trains in commuter and regional transport, in addition to reducing rail CO2 emissions to zero.
Each train delivered can save up to 45,000 tons of CO2 over its 30-year lifespan. In addition, the two-car system has a range of up to 800 kilometers and is just as powerful as its electric multiple unit counterpart.
With 1.7 MW of traction power, it has an acceleration capacity of up to 1.1 m/s2, and reaches a maximum speed of 160 km/h. For its part, the three-wagon version offers a range of 1,000 kilometers.
Hydrogen trains feature particularly environmentally friendly propulsion technology, as they run on green hydrogen and only emit water vapour.
In this case, a saving of 330 tons of CO2 has been calculated in one year on the Tübingen-Pforzheim route, compared to a diesel train. However, you can save up to 520 tons per year depending on the route.
resupply system.
The hydrogen will be produced in Tübingen by DB using green electricity drawn directly from the overhead power line. To service the train, the DB maintenance depot in Ulm has been set up.
In addition, the operator has developed a new method that, for the first time, allows a hydrogen train to be refueled as quickly as a diesel train. Rapid replenishment will make the technology competitive in daily operations.
The Mireo Plus H will start testing in Baden-Württemberg in 2023. From 2024, it will provide a regular passenger service between Tübingen, Horb and Pforzheim, where it will replace a diesel train.