The FCH2Rail project has completed testing of its bimodal hydrogen train on the rail network in Portugal.
Between 3 and 6 April, the demonstrator train with hydrogen fuel cells travelled on the Minho Line, making it the first hydrogen train to operate in Portugal.
With these tests, the FCH2Rail project obtained authorisation to operate the demonstrator in a second European country, following extended testing in Spain.
Having completed tests in both Spain and Portugal, the train has now travelled more than 8,500 kilometres in hydrogen mode.
Throughout these tests, the project partners are evaluating the behaviour and reliability of the train’s complete hydrogen and battery system. By conducting tests on different lines and routes, the project aims to demonstrate the potential of this technology as an alternative to diesel trains.
Alongside Infrastructures of Portugal (IP), the project consortium includes CAF, Adif, Renfe, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Toyota Motor Europe, the Spanish National Hydrogen Centre (CNH2), and Stemmann Technik.
In this stage of testing, the project was also supported by STELLANTIS, which provided the use of its facilities in Porriño to refuel the trains during testing. In addition, MEDWAY provided train drivers to operate the train during the tests, and IBERDROLA supplied the green hydrogen.
The project is funded by the European Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
