Deutsche Bahn and Wystrach collaborating on hydrogen refueling system

Deutsche Bahn is conducting a trial of a green hydrail mobility solution as a partner in the joint H2goesRail initiative.

The system consists of a new hydrogen-powered train and a plug-and-play hydrogen filling station. Deutsche Bahn has chosen a Wystrach solution for the latter.

Deutsche Bahn and Wystrach are collaborating on the development of the refueling system, which will include a 45-foot tank container and a 40-foot refueling station. The latter is equipped with a 500-bar storage unit, a compressor, a precooling system for hydrogen, and two sets of refueling connectors. There are two ways to feed hydrogen to the system: either at an authorized refueling station or on-site electrolysis and compression. Wystrach provides the control unit and safety technologies, and the project also includes the development of a communication standard between the filling station and the train.

“With a view to replacing diesel, hydrogen generated from green electricity is forging a path toward climate neutrality,” says Torsten Schein, CEO of DB Energie. “Refueling that’s as fast, reliable, and competitive as conventional diesel systems is the key to successfully establishing green hydrogen in rail applications. This refueling infrastructure is hugely important—it’s a game changer that will set standards.”

“H2goesRail is an exciting and groundbreaking project,” says Wolfgang Wolter, CEO Operations and Sales at Wystrach. “Pioneers like Deutsche Bahn are exactly what we need. They’re taking direct action to protect the climate and showing the world that hydrogen technology is a reliable and viable solution in everyday applications. We’re thrilled to be part of this as one of Deutsche Bahn’s development partners.”