Siemens Mobility has successfully delivered its first fleet of hydrogen-powered trains to Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB). The seven two-car Mireo Plus H trains, which were built at Siemens’ factory in Krefeld, Germany, will undergo rigorous testing at the company’s Wegberg-Wildenrath Test and Validation Centre (PCW) in the coming months.
“We are delighted to have completed the delivery of our first hydrogen-powered trains to NEB,” said Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility. “These trains represent a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainable transportation, and we are eager to see them in operation on the Heidekrautbahn network.”
The Mireo Plus H trains are equipped with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology, which enables them to operate emission-free and with minimal noise pollution. The trains can also travel up to 1,200 kilometre’s on a single tank of hydrogen, making them ideal for long-distance regional passenger transport with the switch from diesel fuel to hydrogen on the Heidekrautbahn estimated to reduce annual CO2 emissions by around three million kilograms and save 1.1 million litres of diesel.
In addition, NEB’s train drivers will be trained on the new Mireo Plus H at the Siemens Mobility test centre starting in mid-2024 to ensure that the company’s operating personnel is ready for deployment on the Heidekrautbahn as of December 2024.
“We are proud to be working with Siemens Mobility to introduce hydrogen-powered trains to the Berlin-Brandenburg region,” said Detlef Bröcker, CEO of Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn. “These trains will not only reduce our emissions but also provide a comfortable and modern travel experience for our passengers.”
The Heidekrautbahn is the first rail network in the Berlin-Brandenburg region to operate hydrogen-powered trains for public transport. The use of hydrogen fuel cell technology is part of a broader effort to decarbonize the region’s transportation sector.
“The Heidekrautbahn’s hydrogen-powered trains are a testament to Germany’s leadership in sustainable transportation,” said Dr. Christian Hochfeld, CEO of NOW GmbH, the organisation that manages the funding of the project. “This project is a model for other regions in Germany and around the world.”
Photo Credit: Siemens Mobility
