Spanish hydrogen-powered demonstrator completes running trials
- Pinnacle Team
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
The European railway industry is accelerating its transition to sustainable transport, with the FCH2RAIL project at the center of this movement. This project is playing a crucial role in redefining the future of rail transport by utilizing hydrogen technology. In early 2024, the project, headquartered in Madrid, Spain, reached a remarkable milestone: a three-car hydrogen-powered multiple unit, with a 1668mm gauge, traveled 804 km from Madrid to Mérida via Cáceres without refueling. This achievement proves that hydrogen technology can be a feasible alternative for long-distance rail transport.
The success of the FCH2RAIL project goes beyond a simple technical achievement. It adopted an innovative approach by converting an existing Renfe CAF Class 463 Civia EMU into a hydrogen fuel cell and battery-powered demonstration train. This transformation makes it possible to transition to an environmentally friendly mode of transport while making the most of the existing infrastructure.
The FCH2RAIL project also tested the applicability of hydrogen rail technology on various terrains and in different environments. Its successful passage through the steep line between Zaragoza and the Pyrenean town of Canfranc proves that this technology can perform reliably under diverse conditions.
The €14 million project is being undertaken by a consortium of several railway industry companies and institutions, including Renfe, Adif, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Toyota, CNH2, Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), and Stemann Technik. It will continue to receive research and development funding from the European Union (EU) until the end of this year, which reflects the EU's active expansion of investment in clean energy technology.
The FCH2RAIL project is more than just a single technological attempt; it symbolizes the European railway industry's ambitious step toward a sustainable future. By exploring the potential of hydrogen technology in rail transport, this project demonstrates Europe's efforts to accelerate the transition to clean energy and combat climate change. Its success so far has laid the groundwork for further innovation and development, offering a positive outlook for the future of sustainable transport.
March 14, 2024
