A hydrogen-powered train has started operating in Bavaria between Augsburg and Füssen, marking a significant step in testing alternative railway technologies.
Named “Freistaat Bayern,” this train boasts a range of up to 1000 kilometers, primarily fueled in Augsburg using hydrogen sourced from renewable energy. This pilot project seeks to explore hydrogen’s potential for regional rail, considering only half of Bavaria’s rail network is currently electrified.
The project, initiated by the Bavarian transportation ministry, tests hydrogen trains as a future alternative, especially in non-electrified areas. The operation is seen as an attempt to bridge the gap until full electrification is possible, set for 2040 according to Bavaria’s strategy. The use of overhead electric wires is preferred, but due to logistical and financial constraints, alternative solutions like hydrogen are considered. Economic Minister Hubert Aiwanger supports hydrogen as a versatile energy solution, emphasizing its potential beyond trains, in applications such as vehicles and heating.
The ongoing trial in Bavaria, expected to last 30 months, serves both as a test and a demonstration project. While the initial phase has been smooth, uncertainties about hydrogen supply and infrastructure investment costs remain. The Bavarian transportation ministry acknowledges these hurdles, noting the high costs of hydrogen infrastructure and potential inefficiencies. Yet, they remain open to hydrogen as a transitional solution, with further studies determining its viability on specific routes.
