Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Alstom will operate and demonstrate the world's first hydrogen passenger train, Coradia iLint, in Riyadh. The planned demonstration follows the MoU signed by SAR and Alstom in September 2022 to develop or adapt hydrogen solutions in Saudi Arabia. Alstom's Coradia iLint will make its first journey there, travelling 10 to 20 kilometres on Line 1 or Line 2 of the Riyadh East Network.
The Coradia iLint is the world's first passenger train to use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for propulsion. Last year, the train travelled 1,175 km without refuelling its hydrogen tanks. This first train with zero direct CO2 emissions is quiet and emits only water during operation.
"We are committed to working with SAR in their drive to support Saudi Arabia's engagements on clean energy and a net-zero target by 2060," stated Mohamed Khalil, Managing Director of Alstom in Saudi Arabia.
”Driven by emission-free energy generation, the hydrogen train offers a myriad of benefits, making it a compelling choice for sustainable energy solutions. Its positive impact spans across the environment, economy, and the future of generations to come,” added Bashar Al-Malik, CEO of Saudi Arabia Railways.
Alstom has developed hydrogen traction solutions on several platforms and has signed several contracts for hydrogen fuel cell trains. The first two fleets started commercial passenger service in Germany last year.
