Siemens Mobility has reached a pivotal milestone in the realm of sustainable transportation with the completion of an order for seven hydrogen-powered two-car Mireo Plus H trains.
Manufactured at Siemens Mobility’s Krefeld factory, these innovative trains represent a significant step towards emission-free rail transport, particularly for the German operator Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB).
After undergoing essential electrical and mechanical tests, the Mireo Plus H trains were delivered to the Wegberg-Wildenrath Test and Validation Centre near Mönchengladbach. Here, more extensive tests, including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and brake tests, are underway—a prerequisite for official approval. The operational stability of the trains is being rigorously evaluated, both statically and dynamically, before seeking final approval from the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and the German Federal Railway Authority (EBA).
Driver training is slated to commence at the test centre starting next summer, ensuring that operators are well-versed with the technology before the trains make their debut on the Heidekrautbahn in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region next December.
This order, placed in 2022, marks Siemens’ first foray into hydrogen-powered trains, showcasing the company’s commitment to embracing innovative and sustainable transportation solutions. Additionally, Siemens is progressing on an order for 31 battery-powered Mireo Plus B trains for the East Brandenburg network.
The states of Berlin and Brandenburg are jointly funding a scientifically-supported pilot scheme for the use of hydrogen-powered trains on the Heidekrautbahn. This initiative aims to establish a regional, sustainable hydrogen infrastructure, including a hybrid power plant and a hydrogen storage facility. The Heidekrautbahn is set to become the first network in the Berlin-Brandenburg region to operate hydrogen-powered trains exclusively, contributing to significant annual CO2 emission reductions and diesel savings.
Siemens Mobility’s venture into hydrogen-powered trains is not just a technological feat but a testament to the industry’s commitment to transforming rail transport into a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of travel. As these trains inch closer to operational readiness, they signal a new era for emission-free commuting, redefining the future of rail travel in Berlin-Brandenburg.
