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Press Release12 July 2021Siemens Mobility GmbHMunich
State of Bavaria supports hydrogen-powered train – trial operation in Bavaria
Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger is especially pleased about the development partnership. “The train is another important component in Bavaria’s hydrogen strategy. My ministry is promoting research, development and applications in the field of hydrogen technology. We’re organizing this rail project together with our partners because we’re convinced that hydrogen technology will make a significant contribution to decarbonizing transport. We’ll prove in Bavaria that business and climate protection can be reconciled with green hydrogen.”
Kerstin Schreyer, Bavarian State Minister for Housing, Building and Transport explained: "The Free State of Bavaria sets itself ambitious climate targets and wants to implement a clear climate protection strategy in the transport sector. Innovative technologies and green hydrogen play a special role in this. In addition to the direct use of electricity, hydrogen has the potential to be used in a wide range of flexible applications, so that the rail transport sector can also be completely converted to renewable energies in the future. I am pleased that the Free State can also test this innovative technology in regular operation in this project."
Karl Blaim, Managing Director of Siemens Mobility: "Siemens Mobility is a leading supplier in the development of alternative drives, which can contribute significantly to reducing emissions, especially in regional transport where there are no electrified overhead lines. The technology partnership between Siemens Mobility and the State of Bavaria enables the further development of the Mireo Plus H for Bavaria and supports climate-friendly passenger transport in the state."
Arnulf
Schuchmann, technical Managing Director of Bayerische Regiobahn, said: "We agreed to test
hydrogen technology and to test the Siemens Mobility train in passenger service
because we are curious and open to alternative forms of propulsion in the
railway sector as well. Within the Transdev Group, to which we belong, there is
already a lot of experience with alternative drives in the bus sector."
However, it is by no means enough to put the hydrogen train on the track, since
many aspects have to be taken into account during operation. Safety
requirements have to be implemented, staff training, the refueling of the
vehicle, the routes on which it will travel, and many other activities have
already begun.
The
hydrogen-powered train is being developed on the basis of the Mireo Plus H
platform from Siemens Mobility. It is designed to operate on non-electrified
rail lines and has a range of up to 800 kilometers. The main components of the
hydrogen traction drive are two fuel cells mounted on the roof. The system uses
the latest generation of batteries from the Saft company that are installed
beneath the floor. The train will be presented to the public in the spring of
2022. The first test runs in Bavaria are planned for 2023, before the train
officially enters passenger service in January 2024.
The
development of alternative drives in rail transport is part of Siemens
Mobility’s sustainability strategy. The company is a pioneer when it comes to
sustainable mobility and will offer the successful Mireo regional train as both
a hydrogen and a battery-powered unit. The well-known Mireo Plus H platform is
being used but is being equipped with a new generation of batteries to further
improve both performance and passenger comfort.
For further
information about alternative drives please see:
https://www.mobility.siemens.com/global/en/portfolio/rail/rolling-stock/alternative-drives.html
Press Pictures
The hydrogen train for Bavaria
The hydrogen train for Bavaria
from left to right: Karl Blaim (Managing Director Siemens Mobility), Hubert Aiwanger
(Bavarian State Minister of Economic Affairs), Kerstin Schreyer (Bavarian State
Minister for Housing, Building and Transport), Arnulf Schuchmann (Technical
Managing Director Bayerische Regiobahn)
Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in transport solutions for more than 160 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio in its core areas of rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, turnkey systems, intelligent traffic systems as well as related services. With digitalization, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2020, which ended on September 30, 2020, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €9.1 billion and had around 38,500 employees worldwide. Further information is available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility.
Contact
Jürgen Marks
Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Landesentwicklung und Energie
089 2162-2290