- Groningen’s Ambitious Hydrogen Train Project Faces Challenges in Manufacturer Search and Tender Process
The Dutch province of Groningen’s endeavor to replace diesel trains with hydrogen-powered ones has hit a roadblock, as no bids were received for their tender to purchase four hydrogen trains. Despite a successful trial in 2020 with an Alstom Coradia iLint on the Groningen-Leeuwarden route, the market response for a broader trial with four hydrogen trains has been lackluster. Deputy Johan Hamster (Christian Union) attributes this setback to the high requirements set in the tender, which may have deterred potential bidders due to the significant investments required for a relatively small project.
The province’s ambitious goal is to have emission-free trains operating by 2035, with routes including Groningen-Leeuwarden, Groningen-Veendam, and Groningen-Delfzijl. Despite the failed tender process, the province remains committed to this vision and is now considering leasing ‘second-hand’ hydrogen trains to keep the project alive.
The project, initially allocated 60 million euros by the province with an additional 15 million euros from the national government, now faces uncertainty in funding, particularly regarding the national contribution in light of the shift from purchase to potential lease.
With hydrogen trains being a relatively new concept, and the market for them still nascent, the province and Arriva, the transport company, are exploring various options. This includes testing systems and techniques with hydrogen, despite the known challenges and technical issues faced by hydrogen trains in other regions, like in Germany.
Groningen’s pursuit of CO2-neutral trains remains undeterred, with ongoing investigations into sustainable regional rail options. The province’s experience mirrors broader challenges in the transition to greener transport technologies, including balancing cost, innovation, and practical feasibility.
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