The European project FCH2Rail has completed a series of tests for its hydrogen train on the Portuguese railway network. Between April 3 and April 6, the bimodal demonstrator train, equipped with hydrogen fuel cells, traversed the Minho Line, distinguishing itself as the first of its kind in Portugal.
This latest test phase in Portugal is part of a wider campaign that will begin on the Spanish rail network in May 2023. The train has already travelled more than 8,500 kilometers in hydrogen mode. The main objective of these tests is to evaluate the performance and reliability of the train's hydrogen and battery systems, as well as its developed energy management system. By conducting trials on different lines and routes, FCH2Rail aims to demonstrate the viability of the technology as a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel trains.
The successful development of the project underlines the FCH2Rail consortium's commitment to improving environmentally friendly mobility solutions. The consortium, which includes Infrastructures of Portugal (IP), CAF, Adif, Renfe, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Toyota Motor Europe, the Spanish National Hydrogen Centre (CNH2) and Stemmann Technik, is supported by funding from the European Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
Additional support for the Portuguese testing phase was provided by several key industry players. STELLANTIS offered its facilities in Porriño (Pontevedra) for refueling the train, MEDWAY supplied train drivers for operational support during the tests, and IBERDROLA provided the green hydrogen necessary for the trials.
