INDUSTRY WATCH ion battery , this second-generation hydrogen train provides completely CO emission-free mobility .
“ Today , travelling by train is by far the most climatefriendly way to travel ,” said Michael Peter , CEO Siemens Mobility . “ We are especially proud that our first order for a fleet of hydrogen-powered trains will also enable emission-free rail transport on non-electrified routes . Our Mireo Plus H is a next-generation hydrogen train that combines innovation with sustainability . Thanks to its long range , faster acceleration and state-of-the-art technologies , it will set new standards in zero-emission passenger transport .”
“ We are proud to operate the Heidekrautbahn , the first rail network in the Berlin-Brandenburg region
WE ARE ESPECIALLY PROUD THAT OUR FIRST ORDER FOR A FLEET OF HYDROGEN- POWERED TRAINS WILL ALSO ENABLE EMISSION-FREE RAIL TRANSPORT ON NON- ELECTRIFIED ROUTES . that will be using hydrogen fuel cell trains ,” said Detlef Bröcker , CEO Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn ( NEB ). “ With Siemens Mobility , Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn has an experienced and reliable partner at its side . The highly innovative hydrogen-powered trains are not only environmentally friendly , but also provide modern equipment and features tailored to the needs of our passengers . Moreover , the manufacturer ’ s direct involvement in maintaining the trains will ensure a high level of security regarding train availability . By operating a technologically and ecologically upgraded railway , we want to actively support the energy and transportation transition and make local public transport for commuter service and tourism more attractive .”
The Mireo Plus H is a highly advanced , secondgeneration hydrogen train featuring a hydrogenpowered traction system with 1.7 MW of traction power providing up to 1.1 m / s2 acceleration and a top speed of 160 km / h . In addition , the train has the lowest life cycle costs on the market and can be refuelled in just 15 minutes . The Mireo ’ s energy-saving and environmentally friendly design is based on its selfsupporting , welded and integral lightweight aluminium construction . The train ’ s improved aerodynamics together with its energy-efficient components and intelligent electrical system management also help reduce emissions and the use of resources .
The two-car trains feature comfortably designed , spacious interiors . Passengers benefit from free Wi-Fi , dynamic real-time displays of passenger information , a specially designated family area and two multi-purpose areas with generous space for buggies , wheelchairs and up to 12 bicycles . The powered cars have three doors on each side that enable passengers in wheelchairs or with buggies to easily board or exit the train , even on lower platforms . A new signage design in the cars also facilitates speedy , uncomplicated and , above all , barrier-free passenger exchanges .
The use of hydrogen-powered trains on the Heidekrautbahn is part of a scientifically supported joint pilot project funded by the federal government and the states of Berlin and Brandenburg . The project is focused on setting up a regional , sustainable hydrogen infrastructure that also includes a hybrid power plant and a tank system . All train operations on the RB27 line are to be carried out exclusively with green – that is , regenerative and regionally produced – energy . By switching from diesel to hydrogen , Heidekrautbahn will reduce its annual CO₂emissions by around 3 million kilos and save 1.1 million litres of diesel . �
76 INTELLIGENTCIO EUROPE www . intelligentcio . com