Ballard Power Systems has been given a contract by Siemens Mobility to provide electricity for seven Mireo Plus H passenger trains in Germany.
These trains, which are slated to begin service in the Berlin-Brandenburg area in late 2024, will use fuel cell modules with a total power output of 14,200 kW supplied by Ballard.
In the upcoming year, these fuel cell modules will be available for purchase.
We can only reach climate change objectives by growing rail traffic,” Jochen Steinbauer, director of the Siemens Mobility H2 Technologies platform, stated. In order to provide emission-free rail transit on un-electrified lines in Germany, we have placed our first order for a fleet of hydrogen-powered trains.
Our Mireo Plus H is a hydrogen train of the next generation, redefining what is possible in emission-free passenger transportation with its increased range, quicker acceleration, and cutting-edge technologies.
More specifically, Ballard and Siemens Mobility have agreed in principle for the next six years for Ballard to provide 200 fuel cell modules with a combined 40MW for use in Siemens’ Mireo Plus H trains.
This includes a “solid promise” to provide 100 fuel cell modules, with a combined 20MW, as part of the deal.
Ballard’s chief commercial officer, David Mucciacciaro, hailed the partnership as a “major milestone” and the hope for zero-emission commuter rail in Europe.
He said that Siemens Mobility’s passenger train fleet has demanding needs for big payload, extended range, and fast refilling and that their fuel cell technology is an appropriate answer to meet those demands.
At its fastest, the Mireo Plus H can travel at 160 kilometers per hour, and it has a maximum range of 800 kilometers.
This month, Siemens and Deutsche Bahn (Germany’s national rail corporation) conducted a trial run of the hydrogen-powered train.
