H2 Rail Traffic in Central Germany

Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST), in cooperation with TÜV-SÜD Rail and Alstom, compiled a feasibility study on the suitability of the use of fuel-cell powered railcars for local passenger transport on two routes in the Leipzig area. The study was carried out for the Association for the Local Traffic Area Leipzig ZVNL and the Metropolregion Mitteldeutschland GmbH. The study identifies good opportunities for fuel cell technology in Saxony with high potential for increasing efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions of up to 30%.

The study focuses on the technical feasibility of using Hydrail vehicles in the context of the special requirements of the two routes Leipzig – Grimma – Döbeln and Leipzig – Zeitz – Gera.

For this purpose, detailed investigations were carried out on the basis of the ongoing development work, the procedures for the approval process, the insights into the state of the art of hydrogen production and infrastructure as well as from the first concrete project preparations at other locations in Germany.

In addition to the possibilities of increasing efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions, there is the prospect of dispensing with the expensive and maintenance-intensive installation of an overhead contact line. With future supply of CO2-free hydrogen, 100% CO2-free rail operations can be made possible.