Ballard to power Talgo trains
Talgo Vittal-One hydrogen-powered trains will help decarbonise railway lines, especially those of the secondary network that is not electrified.
Ballard Power Systems will supply eight 70-kW FCmoveTM-HD fuel cell modules to Talgo SA (a Spanish train manufacturer).
The equipment will be used for trials in Talgo Vittal-One commuter and regional passenger train. Talgo plans to conduct their demonstration in early 2022 in Spain, with expected commercialisation in 2023.
The modular system being designed by Talgo is intended for installation on all types of passenger trains and upgrades or retrofits from diesel to hydrogen power. Talgo has an industrial presence in Spain, Germany, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the US.
Emilio Garcia, Talgo Innovation Director, said, “It will allow us to make the most of the non-electrified railways in many countries while reducing the carbon footprint.”
Oben Uluc, Ballard Director of Sales for EMEA and India, added, “ Fuel cell systems enable conventional rail networks to realise the benefits of electrification without the cost and infrastructure challenges of overhead catenary wiring.”
Talgo has developed its Vittal One train, a modular solution for medium-distance and commuter trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the first dual hydrogen-electric train. The train uses electric motors that obtain energy from hydrogen cells, which turn it into an electric current. In July, Repsol and Talgo agreed to jointly develop projects to promote the creation of renewable hydrogen-powered trains and promote emission-free rail transport in the Iberian Peninsula.
