The hydrogen train of the FCH2Rail project has carried out its first test run in Spain. Specifically, in the line that covers Zaragoza and Canfranc. This is a milestone in our country, according to Renfe in a statement.
The national operator highlights the start-up of these new propulsion systems, which are more respectful of the environment. In addition, he underlines the difficulty of this section, because "the Canfranc line is especially demanding due to its steep and elevated ramps".
The demonstrator train, a Renfe Cercanías unit, has circulated both in electric mode, in the electrified area, and in hybrid mode, combining energy from hydrogen cells and batteries, in non-electrified sections.
This was the first test for the hydrogen train in our country. Now, a new phase of on-track tests is being faced with the objective of testing the new technology in a wide range of power and energy demand conditions, simulating different commercial services. To do this, the train is expected to run on different lines in Aragon, Madrid and Galicia.
As detailed by Renfe, the test scenarios include routes in different weather and operating conditions. This will allow a more complete characterization of the new on-board technology, for the subsequent evaluation of the competitiveness of the new hybrid bimode propulsion solution with hydrogen cells as a sustainable alternative to the diesel traction that is currently used on many lines.
The FCH2Rail project is developed by a consortium of companies made up of CAF, DLR, Toyota, Renfe, Adif, CNH2, IP and Stemmann-Technik. This initiative is based on a current Renfe commuter unit, in which CAF has installed a new solution for the generation of electricity from the hybridization of energy from hydrogen cells and batteries.
FCH2Rail has a budget of 14 million euros and financing of 10 million euros from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, an agency of the European Commission dedicated to promoting the development of hydrogen and fuel cells.
