Battery Train Pilot Project On Challenging’ Westerwald Routes
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Railway Gazette.
It is only a small order for three Mireo Plus B battery-electric multiple-units from Siemens Mobility, but I feel, it is significant that engineers and managers are confident that a battery-electric multiple unit can handle a challenging route.
Siemens Bags First Fleet Order For Hydrogen Trains In Berlin-Brandenburg Region
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on RailTech.com.
This is the first paragraph.
Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) has ordered seven Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains from Siemens Mobility. Delivery is set for autumn 2024, with first operations on the Heidekrautbahn (RB27) network planned in December the same year.
It is a detailed article. about the Mireo Plus H.
Siemens Mobility and Deutsche Bahn Present New Hydrogen Train
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Global Railway Review.
This is the sub-title.
Deutsche Bahn and Siemens Mobility have presented the newly developed Mireo Plus H and a newly designed mobile hydrogen storage trailer.
It seems that Deutsche Bahn and Siemens Mobility have put together a well-thought out plan to use hydrogen on a lot of unelectrified lines.
The Germans have given the project, the catchy name of H2goesRail.
How does that translate into German?
H2goesRail
The title of this post, is the same as that of this page on the Deutsche Bahn web site.
These three paragraphs introduce the H2goesRail philosopher.
Deutsche Bahn is currently developing and implementing solutions that utilize hydrogen. One such endeavor is the H2goesRail project. In partnership with Siemens Mobility, we are breaking new ground and driving forward decarbonization of the transport sector for the good of the environment. Together we are developing an innovative hydrogen system for rail transport, which will comprise a refueling station, hydrogen train, and maintenance infrastructure.
We aim to replace diesel multiple units in regional service and thus further reduce carbon emissions in rail transport. To achieve this, with H2goesRail we are developing an innovative mobile refueling station whose smart control unit will allow fast refueling of hydrogen trains.
DB Energie GmbH will ensure the supply of hydrogen for the project, from production by means of renewable-powered electrolysis all the way through to storage and provision.
There is a lot of video.
Battery Trains Ordered For Hermann-Hesse-Bahn
The title of this post, is the same as that, of this article on Railway Gazette.
This article is yet another endorsement of battery-electric trains.
There is more about the history of the Hermann-Hesse-Bahn in Wikipedia entry for the Black Forest Railway.
Could the Germans be using a battery-electric railway to bring in the tourists?
Fuel Cell Mireo Plus H To Be Trialled In Baden-Württemberg
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Railway Gazette.
This is the opening paragraph.
Deutsche Bahn and Siemens Mobility are to trial a fuel cell powered regional trainset in revenue service between Tübingen, Horb and Pforzheim in 2024, along with a green hydrogen fuelling plant.
These two paragraphs describe the train.
Siemens Mobility is to supply a two-car Mireo Plus H trainset derived from its Mireo Plus regional multiple-unit family, equipped with a newly developed hydrogen fuel cell drive and a lithium-ion battery.
The 1·7 MW traction power rating is expected to offer a comparable performance to the electric version, with an acceleration rate of 1·1 m/s² and a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Sufficient hydrogen will be stored onboard to give an operating range of up to 600 km, with the promoters envisaging that a three-car variant could have a range of 1 000 km.
The article doesn’t say anything about, whether the train can use electrification, but as the train is based on a conventional electric train, I would assume it is possible.
First Order For Mireo Plus B Battery EMUs
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on Railway Gazette.
This is the introductory paragraph.
The Land of Baden-Württemberg’s rolling stock body SFBW has ordered 20 battery-equipped Mireo Plus B electric multiple-units from Siemens Mobility, which will then be responsible for their availability over a 29½-year operating life.
The Siemens Mireo Plus B Battery EMUs appear to have the following specification.
- Ability to use overhead electrification.
- Ability to use battery power for a range of eighty kilometres.
- Two underfloor lithium-ion battery packs.
- Batteries handle regenerative braking.
- 160 kph operating speed.
Delivery is by December 2023.
Baden-Württemberg Backs Battery Mireos
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Railway Gazette.
This is the first paragraph.
The Land of Baden-Württemberg has decided to order a fleet of 20 Mireo battery-electric multiple units from Siemens Mobility to operate the Netz 8 Ortenau package of regional lines, the state government announced on August 2.
Routes to be operated include.
- The electrified line between Offenburg and Freudenstadt/Hornberg
- Rench Valley Railway between Appenweier and Bad Griesbach – 29.1 km.
- , Acher Valley Railway between Achern and Ottenhöfen. – 10.4 km.
- Harmersbach Valley Railway between Biberach and Oberharmersbach-Riersbach – 10.6 km.
Reading about the area, it could be a nice place to go for an explore.
But it also could be the sort of area, that is ideal for battery-electric trains.
Germany Is Going Green In Local Rail Services
There have been other stories of hydrogen and battery-electric trains in Germany.
- Battery Answer To Schleswig-Holstein’s Diesel Replacement Question
- World’s Largest Fleet Of Fuel Cell Trains’ Ordered
- My First Ride In An Alstom Coradia iLint
- Bombardier Introduces Talent 3 Battery-Operated Train
- Flirt Akku Battery Multiple-Unit Unveiled
- Alpha Trains Commits To Hybrid Retrofit For Diesel Fleet
Manufacturers involved include Alstom, Bombardier, Rolls-Royce MTU, Siemens and Stadler.
Who will win the battle of zero-carbon technologies?
My money is on a new design of train, that is built specifically around battery or hydrogen technology.
- I’m sure Bombardier’s Aventras use battery technology, as an integral part of their excellent design.
- Stadler’s launch of the Class 755 train, shows they’ve got a top-of-the-range platform on which to install battery or hydrogen power.
Will Siemens battery-powered Mireo be another challenger.
The Anonymous Widower 