Germany inaugurates its first sustainable hydrogen-powered trains

On the 17th of this month, the crowd gathered at Bremervörde station in Lower Saxony to attend the launching ceremony of Germany's first two sustainable trains. Named Corona iLint and produced in partnership with French manufacturer Alstrom, the vehicles are hydrogen powered and do not emit pollutants into the atmosphere - unlike previous diesel engines.

For now, the pair will work on a testing basis serving the cities of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Buxtehude and Bremervoerde, where the charging platform is located. There the trains are supplied with gaseous hydrogen which, mixed with the ambient oxygen, is transformed into electricity. That way, the only thing Coradia iLints expel is steam, and a single recharge is enough for a full day of operation.

“Coradia iLint's emission-free technology provides a climate-friendly alternative to conventional diesel trains, especially on non-electrified lines, ” said Dr. Bernd Althusman, Minister of Economy and Transport of Lower Saxony. It is expected that, at this first moment, the two trains will serve 2 million passengers on their 100-kilometer route. The top speed is 140 km / h.

“We are putting the first fuel cell technology passenger train on the track. This is a strong signal for future mobility. Hydrogen is a real, low emission and efficient alternative to diesel. These trains can be operated in a clean and environmentally sound way, ”explained Enak Ferlemann, Federal Rail Commissioner for Germany.

Clean future

If all goes well, Alstrom plans to deliver 14 trains and a second refill station by 2021, symbolizing a significant reduction in pollutant emissions in the country. Germany's goal is to reduce its carbon dioxide release by 40% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. Of course, the price of this whole operation is somewhat salty: the country is investing 81 million euros in the project.

It is worth remembering that France itself also intends to adopt hydrogen-powered trains, but only in 2022. Among other European countries that intend to play, we can mention Denmark, Norway, Italy, Canada and the Netherlands.

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