The German Railways (EBA) gave the green light to Alstom's hydrogen fuel cell train set for commercial operations in German rail networks.

Alstom's Coradia iLint train is the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger train that produces electrical energy for traction. It has been specially designed to work on non-electrified lines.

Following approval, a set of two prototypes of zero-emission trains will be deployed for a pilot operation in the Elbe-Weser network, with the first passenger services scheduled for the end of the summer.

"This approval is an important step for Coradia iLint and a decisive step towards a clean and future-oriented mobility."

Enak Ferlemann, authorized delegate of the German Federal Government for rail transport, said: "World premiere in Germany: with the approval of send the first passenger train with fuel cell technology on the tracks.

"This is a strong sign of the mobility of the future.Hydrogen is a real effective alternative to diesel.Especially on the branch lines, where airlines are not economical or not yet available, these trains are a clean and environmentally friendly option, which is why we support and promote technology to bring it to the surface. "

Designed by the Alstom teams in Salzgitter (Germany) and Tarbes (France), Coradia iLint received support from the German Ministry of Economy and Mobility.

The company received 8 million euros from the German government under the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP).
Wolfram Schwab, Vice President of Alstom R & D and Innovation, said: "This approval is a major milestone for Coradia iLint and a decisive step towards a clean and future-oriented mobility." Alstom is extremely proud of this regional train running on hydrogen, a breakthrough in the field of zero emission mobility and the fact that it will now be used regularly by passengers.

Last November, Alstom signed a contract with the local transport company Lower Saxony (LNVG) for the delivery of 14 sets of hydrogen fuel cells. The contract also includes a provision of maintenance and energy supply for a period of 30 years.

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