World’s first hydrogen fuelled train launched in Germany

Germany took a step forward in the direction of reducing dependence on fossil fuel as it inaugurated the world’s first hydrogen-powered train fleet.

The French company Alstom has supplied a fleet of 14 trains to the German State of Lower Saxony that will substitute diesel locomotives on the 100 kilometres track which connects the cities of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerde and Buxtehude.

In a statement the CEO of Alstom Henri Poupart-Lafarge said: “We are very proud to put this technology into operation together with our strong partners as a world premiere.”

These trains have been described as “zero emission” mode of transport as they mix hydrogen on board with oxygen present in the ambient air, thanks to a fuel cell installed in the roof. This mixing produces electricity which is required to pull the train.

This fleet will prevent 4,400 tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere each year.