The FCH2Rail project, which includes the development of a hydrogen-powered bimode demonstrator train, has reached an important milestone in the phase of track tests that it is carrying out by having completed the first of the planned routes with the arrival of the unit at the Canfranc station, in Aragon.
This new equipment, which runs on CNG or its renewable version, and which is already marketed in Europe and Brazil, opens a new segment of sustainable agricultural machines due to its innovation in the use of alternative fuels, delivering the same energy and operational efficiency as a conventional tractor.
The project, led by CMP and Engie Chile, contemplates the modification of two 220-ton mining extraction trucks (CAEX), in a period of six months, from the diesel system to a dual fuel system, which will mostly be operated with natural gas. The pilot will be carried out at CMP’s Los Colorados Mine located in the Atacama region.
The testing and refueling of the Mireo Plus H are a new milestone in the “H2goesRail” project, which is being funded with €13.74 million by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport as part of the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology. As of 2024, the hydrogen-fueled train will be underway in regular passenger service.
The 14 vehicles with fuel cell propulsion belong to Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen (LNVG). LNVG had already started looking for alternatives to diesel trains in 2012 and thus provided momentum for the development of the trains in Germany. Other project partners are the Elbe-Weser railways and transport company (evb) and Linde.
OptiFuel Systems will collaborate with the Argentina Ministry of Transportation, through Ferrocarriles Argentinos Sociedad del Estado (F.A.S.E), to develop a project to repower and put into service 400 switcher and line haul freight locomotives, all 100% powered by CNG and/or renewable natural gas with low or zero emissions.
The Ministry of Transportation signed a collaboration agreement with the U.S. company Optifuel Systems LLC to develop a pilot project to put into operation low-emission locomotives 100% powered by natural gas, in line with the country’s decarbonization goals.
