Germany’s Coradia iLint: Hydrogen Rail Revolution Insights

Here’s an excerpt tailored for railway professionals:

“Alstom’s Coradia iLint, the hydrogen train, marked a year of successful passenger service, traveling 180,000 kilometers. See how sustainable rail is evolving!”

Germany’s Coradia iLint: Hydrogen Rail Revolution Insights
September 26, 2016 9:01 am
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Introduction

In a significant development for sustainable transport, the first hydrogen-powered passenger train in commercial service, the Coradia iLint, has successfully completed one year of operation in Bremervörde, Germany, carrying passengers on a 100-kilometer route.

Hydrogen Train Operations Milestone

The Coradia iLint, manufactured by Alstom, has completed a year of passenger service on the Elbe-Weser network in Bremervörde. The train has covered 180,000 kilometers and carried 41,000 passengers during this period. The two initial hydrogen trains entered service in September 2018. The hydrogen fuel is supplied by Linde, and the trains are operated by Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen (LNVG).

Fleet Expansion and Performance

Following the successful initial deployment, 14 additional Coradia iLint trains are scheduled to enter service in the Elbe-Weser network by the end of 2022. These new trains are expected to replace the existing diesel-powered trains. Each train has a capacity of 300 passengers and can travel approximately 1,000 kilometers on a single tank of hydrogen. The trains refuel at a hydrogen filling station located in Bremervörde.

Environmental Impact and Cost

The hydrogen train project aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transport. The trains’ operation results in zero emissions, with only steam and condensed water being released into the environment. The project is supported by approximately €8.0 million from the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.

Future Developments

Alstom is actively working on the next generation of hydrogen trains. They are also developing hydrogen trains for use in other countries, including France and Italy. A further project involves 27 Coradia iLint trains in the Rhine-Main region, scheduled to be operational by December 2022. The Federal Railway Authority (EBA) has approved the operation of the trains.

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Conclusion

The Coradia iLint hydrogen train has successfully completed one year of commercial operation in Germany. During this period, it has demonstrated the viability of hydrogen-powered trains in passenger service. Alstom continues to expand the hydrogen train fleet and explore opportunities in other regions.

Company Summary

Alstom: A manufacturer of transport solutions, including the Coradia iLint hydrogen train.

Linde: The supplier of hydrogen fuel for the Coradia iLint trains.

Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen (LNVG): The operator of the hydrogen trains on the Elbe-Weser network.

Technology

Coradia iLint: The hydrogen-powered passenger train manufactured by Alstom.