POL-MIEDŹ TRANS has conducted operational testing of a hydrogen-powered locomotive from PESA Bydgoszcz, using its own rail infrastructure in Lower Silesia.
The locomotive handled regular industrial loads, including copper ore, concentrate, and sand. The tests were aimed at assessing performance under heavy-duty conditions, including shunting and hauling, as well as fuel consumption and basic operational safety.
The tested vehicle is a hydrogen version of the SM42 locomotive, featuring two 85 kW hydrogen fuel cells and four 180 kW traction motors. The locomotive also includes radio remote control and autonomous shunting capabilities, with a central cab and obstacle detection sensors as part of its safety system.
POL-MIEDŹ TRANS currently operates a fleet of 65 diesel and electric locomotives. According to the company, these units are responsible for emitting 176 tonnes of CO₂ monthly. The hydrogen prototype was brought in as part of ongoing considerations to reduce emissions across the group’s internal logistics.
The SM42-6Dn had previously undergone testing in Scandinavian markets before being transferred to Poland for evaluation under domestic industrial conditions. The locomotive is produced by PESA Bydgoszcz SA and is intended for shunting and industrial applications rather than mainline operations.
The testing programme was coordinated by POL-MIEDŹ TRANS, which is part of the KGHM Polska Miedź SA group. The results will contribute to the group's internal analysis regarding future investment directions.
