Deutsche Bahn (DB) has inked a collaboration agreement with UK electrolyser maker ITM Power to work on clean transportation and infrastructure, including green hydrogen and derivatives.
Under the agreement, the pair will explore each other’s technologies, exchange knowledge on using green hydrogen in transport, develop pathways for green hydrogen-based operations, and assess green fuel supply chains.
DB has already taken steps to introduce hydrogen vehicles into its fleets. In 2023, it signed a €40m framework agreement with CaetanoBus to deliver 60 hydrogen buses.
It expects hydrogen-powered trains to play a role in replacing its fleet of 1,300 diesel locomotives by 2050.
ITM CEO Dennis Schulz, said, “We are delighted to support DB in advancing sustainable transport solutions in the heart of the EU.”
While hydrogen-powered trains have been introduced in parts of Europe, their long-term role in rail decarbonisation is still being evaluated.
In Germany, EVB and RMV – two regional operators – have recently experienced challenges related to hydrogen supply and component reliability, leading to temporary shifts back to diesel units.
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