Across the Pyrenees
Across the Pyrenees
Spain's first hydrogen-powered train can be seen here on its recently completed inaugural long-distance journey. The project, coordinated by DLR, saw collaboration between industry and researchers to jointly develop and construct a dual-mode hybrid drive for the multiple unit train. The three-car Civia electric multiple unit train, operated by Spanish railway company Renfe, can draw motive power from either an overhead line or its on-board fuel cell and battery system. This enables the train to operate electrically on railway lines without overhead lines, using hydrogen and battery power. The technology allows for environment-friendly, continuous rail transport between big cities and surrounding areas, replacing the diesel vehicles that previously served the route. The hybrid multiple unit train is currently being prepared for further test runs on selected routes in Aragon.
The train is part of the Fuel Cell Hybrid PowerPack for Rail Applications – FCH2Rail – European research project funded by Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Alongside DLR and Renfe, six other industrial companies and research institutions are involved in the project: rail vehicle manufacturer CAF, Toyota Motor Europe (fuel cell supplier), Spanish infrastructure operator Adif, the Spanish Hydrogen Research Centre (Centro Nacional del Hidrógeno; CNH2), Portuguese infrastructure operator Infraestruturas de Portugal and Stemmann-Technik.
Credit:
CAF