Twelve leading Spanish companies, including Talgo, Repsol, and Sener, have united their expertise to pioneer a propulsion system based on renewable hydrogen cells.
The ambitious initiative, known as the Hympulso project, aims to design and implement this cutting-edge technology for the first time globally, propelling a high-speed train into a new era of sustainable and electrified rail travel.
The primary goal of the Hympulso project is to develop a comprehensive set of technologies tailored for the Talgo 250 ‘all-terrain’ train. This innovative system will enable the electrification of the railway network using energy generated exclusively from renewable sources. Crucially, the project targets lines that lack catenary infrastructure, ensuring a broader applicability of renewable energy in rail transport.
Led by Talgo and backed by prominent partners such as Golendus, Ingeteam, Optimus3D, Repsol, and Sener, the Hympulso project signifies a significant leap towards decarbonizing rail travel. The collaboration also involves the Universidad Pontificia Comillas and Tecnalia as project collaborators, with Adif serving as an observer.
At the heart of the Hympulso project lies a transformative shift toward renewable hydrogen as a propulsion source for high-speed trains. The initiative received a substantial subsidy of €6.5 million, positioning it within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan’s incentive program for the renewable hydrogen value chain.
The project aims to obtain both mobile and fixed hydrogen feeding facilities adapted to the railway. A pioneering prototype of a hybrid bimodal train for passengers is on the agenda, designed to seamlessly operate on both conventional and high-speed networks. This train will utilize catenary power where available and seamlessly switch to hydrogen and batteries on unelectrified corridors, marking a significant step toward sustainable and versatile rail travel.
Each partner in the Hympulso project contributes distinct expertise:
- Talgo: Focuses on developing, manufacturing, and testing dual-hybrid hydrogen battery traction for the Talgo 250 train, designed for long-distance operations on mixed electrified and non-electrified sections.
- Ingeteam: Takes charge of designing, manufacturing, and testing reversible high-power converters capable of charging batteries from the catenary.
- Repsol and Golendus: Responsible for developing two hydrogen refueling facilities crucial for the project’s success.
- Sener: Conducts a global risk analysis and simulation of the operation of hydrogen services, addressing hydrogen supply facilities and railway infrastructure.
- Optimus3D: An Alava SME working on innovative materials and processes for hydrogen applications based on additive manufacturing.
- Adif: Plays a crucial role in developing security requirements associated with infrastructure, interfaces with the vehicle and refueling facility, and contributes to the design of standardized recharging facilities.
The successful implementation of the Hympulso project could revolutionize rail travel, offering a sustainable alternative powered by renewable hydrogen. This shift aligns with broader environmental goals and positions Spain as a leader in green transportation.
