Siemens to Deliver Romania’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Fleet
Siemens Mobility has been awarded a contract by Romania’s Railway Reform Authority (ARF) to deliver the country’s first hydrogen-powered train fleet, marking a major milestone for zero-emission regional rail transport and one of the earliest hydrogen rail projects in Eastern Europe.
The agreement covers 12 two-car hydrogen multiple units based on Siemens’ Mireo Plus H platform, along with a comprehensive full-service maintenance package for an initial period of 15 years, extendable by a further 15 years. The trains are scheduled to enter passenger service in 2029.
This project is the first hydrogen train contract in Romania and represents an important step in the modernisation and decarbonisation of regional rail services. It will also contribute to replacing diesel-powered trains on non-electrified lines, reducing emissions and noise across the network.
The Mireo Plus H trains use a hydrogen fuel cell system combined with battery storage. The batteries are charged through the fuel cell and regenerative braking, enabling efficient energy use and zero local emissions during operation. Siemens has designed the system to reduce weight, complexity and maintenance needs while maintaining high reliability.
Each two-car trainset is based on the Mireo platform and can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. They will offer 131 fixed seats and 5 folding seats, and can operate in pairs to increase capacity when required. The trains will also be fitted with European Train Control System technology and PZB safety systems to ensure compliance with European standards, along with modern passenger information systems providing real-time updates.
In addition to delivery, Siemens Mobility will provide full maintenance services carried out locally in Romania, including at a dedicated depot in Bucharest. The service will be supported by Railigent X digital tools to optimise maintenance, improve availability and extend component lifecycles. The contract includes full responsibility for maintenance, repairs, overhauls and logistics support, ensuring long-term operational efficiency.
Siemens Mobility said the project demonstrates how hydrogen technology can be applied to practical rail operations. According to the company, hydrogen will play an important role in achieving climate-neutral transport across Europe, particularly on routes where electrification is not feasible.
The Mireo Plus H is part of Siemens Mobility’s wider Mireo train family, which includes nearly 600 trains in operation across multiple fleets. The platform is designed to deliver energy savings of up to 25% while offering a standardised and flexible solution for regional rail operators.
