In the Höchst industrial park, the operator Infraserv is building a second hydrogen filling station. From 2023 onwards, Alstom’s 27 regional trains will be refueled using hydrogen.
The state of Hesse has now approved a financial decision in the amount of 2.5 million euros, which covers 60% of the costs. The federal government contributes additional funds. An additional 800,000 euros will be provided by the state for an appraisal and mobile train refueling.
The hydrogen-powered trains on lines RB 11, 12, 15, and 16 will run on the routes from Frankfurt to Königstein and Brandoberndorf, from Frankfurt-Höchst to Bad Soden, and from Bad Homburg to Friedberg starting in the 2023 annual timetable.
The hydrogen is produced as a by-product of chemical manufacture at the industrial park. It’s termed gray hydrogen since it’s made with electricity derived from fossil fuels. Green hydrogen is believed to be environmentally benign because it is manufactured using power generated from renewable sources. Nonetheless, State Secretary for Transport Jens Deutschendorf (Greens) sees it thus way: “Instead of diesel multiple units, the fuel cell train provides locally emission-free and nearly noiseless driving.”
Around a third of the railway lines in Hesse have yet to be electrified. As a result, state legislators have numerous possibilities to encourage more “innovation drives” and “clean mobility” along the road.
