Ballard to deliver fuel cell modules to Siemens Mireo Plus H Train in Bavaria
Following the development and testing of the 200-kW fuel cell module for trains, the trial operation is a key step toward technology commercialisation.
Ballard Power Systems will supply two 200-kilowatt (kW) fuel cell modules to Siemens Mobility GmbH to be installed in a 2-car Mireo Plus H passenger train for a trial operation in Bavaria, Germany.
The 200 kW fuel cell module is developed and tested with Siemens to provide primary propulsion power for the Mireo Plus H light-rail train. The two modules ordered by Siemens for the trial operation in Bavaria will be delivered in 2022.
The 2-car Mireo Plus H train is to be tested on the Augsburg- Füssen route, among others, in 2023. Pilot operation in the rail network of Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) is initially planned for 30-months, with the train stationed in Augsburg during the trial.
The fuel cell modules are mounted on the roof of the train and integrated with batteries installed under the floor. The train uses around 25% less energy than today’s trains with similar passenger capacity due to lightweight design, energy-efficient components and intelligent onboard network management,
The Mireo Plus H platform is a modular commuter train designed to operate on non-electrified rail lines at speeds up to 160 km/hour over a range of up to 800 km. The train will be presented to the public in 2022, with test runs in Bavaria planned for 2023 before it officially enters passenger service in 2024.
Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock, Siemens Mobility, said, “The technology partnership between Siemens Mobility and the State of Bavaria enables the further development of the Mireo Plus H for Bavaria and supports climate-friendly passenger transport in the state.”
Rob Campbell, Ballard CCO, said, “The trial operation in Bavaria is an exciting development in our ongoing work with Siemens for its Mireo Plus H passenger train.”
