The European project FCH2Rail which developed a bimodal demonstrator train with hydrogen fuel cells, has successfully completed testing in Portugal. Between 3 and 6 April, the H2 train travelled on the Minho Line, making it the first hydrogen train in Portugal. With these tests, the FCH2Rail project achieved a great milestone, having obtained the authorization to run the rain demonstrator in a second European country.
For these tests, the Infrastructures of Portugal issued the Special Circulation Authorization in December 2023, establishing the conditions for the operation of the train in the Portuguese rail network during the testing phase. The tests carried out in Portugal are part of the extended test campaign started in May 2023 on the Spanish rail network. After testing in Portugal, the train has already traveled more than 8,500 km in hydrogen mode.
The objective of the tests is to evaluate the behaviour and reliability of the entire hydrogen and battery system, as well as the developed energy management system. By conducting tests on different lines and itineraries, it is intended to demonstrate the potential of this technology as an alternative to diesel trains, thus contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable rail transport system.
The success in the development of this project confirms and reinforces the commitment of the FCH2Rail consortium in the development of hydrogen trains as an environmentally friendly mobility solution. In addition to the Infrastructures of Portugal (IP), the project consortium includes Adif, Renfe, CAF, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Toyota Motor Europe, the Spanish National Hydrogen Center (CNH2) and Stemmann Technik. The project is funded by the European Partnership for Clean Hydrogen.
At this stage of the tests, the project was supported by other companies, such as STELLANTIS, which ceded the use of its facilities in Porri?o (Pontevedra) to refuel the train during the test phase in Portugal, MEDWAY, which supplied the drivers for the operation of the train during the tests in Portugal, and IBERDROLA, for the supply of green hydrogen for the tests of the train.
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