Polluting diesel locomotives harms the environment. Testing of hydrogen and biogas engines in Saxony-Anhalt is unique in Europe, with technicians conducting the conversion of engines to hydrogen and biogas.
It’s just a big diesel engine, in reality. This test bench in Saxony-Anhalt has a unique drive unit: a hydrogen-powered diesel engine. Installation on a diesel train is the next step. An approximately 15-year-old train from the Hessian state railway will arrive at the end of 2022. When in test mode, it doesn’t have any passengers, but eventually adds them.
According to DUH’s priorities, erecting electric rail lines is a priority. It is only logical to run on hydrogen if it is environmentally friendly. According to a BMBF spokesman, the Alliance Trains program is supported by the ministry because it promotes “change in the region through innovation.” Since the beginning of 2019, a total of approximately seven million euros has been made available. Seven million euros could be approved by 2025 if the project is successful.
Profitability analyses have shown that CO2 emissions would be 22% lower with pure natural gas operation without the addition of hydrogen. Reduced CO2 emissions can be achieved by adding 50 percent green hydrogen. With the use of pure green hydrogen, the train produces almost no emissions as it travels.
The expected lifespan of a car is between 30 and 40 years. In 2018, a prototype with a fuel cell drive was put into service, which is not the first time a new train drive has been tested. Additional battery power was added to a train during the conversion process. A catenary battery hybrid multiple unit was approved for use in 2021, as was a third option.
