French engineer Alstom has tested its Coradia iLint hydrogen fuel cell train on a 65km stretch of railway between Groningen and Leeuwarden in the Netherlands.
Independant inspector Devra tested the train at night without passengers at speeds of up to 140km/h.
A mobile filling station containing sustainably produced hydrogen acted as the fuel for the tests.
What Alstom describes as the "world’s first hydrogen fuel cell passenger train", has been operating in Germany for the past 18 months.
The train converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, emitting only water, and can be an alternative to diesel for non-electrified train lines. The train has range of 1,000km, the same as a diesel unit.
Bernard Belvaux, Alstom Benelux’s managing director, said: "The tests in the Netherlands demonstrate how our hydrogen train is mature in terms of availability and reliability, providing the same performance as traditional regional trains, but with the benefit of low noise and zero emissions.
"It is also easy to integrate in an existing fleet and is compliant with all safety regulations. The Coradia iLint hydrogen train is a reliable emission-free train ready to help transport us to a carbon-neutral Europe."
Image: The Coradia iLint train (Alstom)
