Spain’s hydrogen-powered train completes 10,000-km trials

MADRID, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) — Spain’s first hydrogen-powered train has completed 10,000 kilometers of trials, the project’s developers have announced.
The train has been undergoing tests between Zaragoza and Canfranc in northern Spain. The trial route, characterized by steep inclines in the foothills of the Pyrenees, was chosen to test the train’s performance under challenging conditions.
The project was developed by the FCH2Rail consortium, which includes CAF, DRL, Toyota, CNH2, IP, and Stemmann-Technik, alongside Spanish rail infrastructure company Adif and rail operator RENFE, according to local media reports on Friday.
The train, provided by RENFE, was converted to run on a zero-emissions Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack powered by hydrogen, with the aim to offer a viable, eco-friendly alternative to diesel-powered trains.
As part of the testing program, which began in 2022, the train also operated in the northwestern region of Galicia and crossed into neighboring Portugal to evaluate its adaptability across diverse conditions.
In addition to covering over 10,000 kilometers of track, the train completed a series of static tests. The conclusion of the program will determine the technology’s feasibility for regular commercial use.
The project has a budget exceeding 14 million euros (14.77 million U.S. dollars), with 70 percent funded by the European Union (EU). (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollar) ■