Hydrogen on the rails as a new energy source for rail transport

The discussion about alternative drive systems in rail transport has gained considerable momentum in recent years. While overhead lines have long been established on many routes, a significant part of the network still lacks electrical infrastructure. This is precisely where new energy concepts come into focus.

Hydrogen is considered one of the options for making rail transport more climate-friendly without relying on continuous electrification. At the trade fair, it becomes clear that this technology is no longer just a promise for the future, but is already being implemented in concrete terms. The starting point for these considerations is not so much the vehicle itself as the energy supply. Fuel cell traction vehicles are now ready for series production and available on the market. The main technical hurdle today is to bring hydrogen to the train safely, efficiently, and practically. This is precisely where the work of DB Netze comes in, which is working on new supply models together with DB Energie.

DB Netze and the role of energy supply

DB Netze is responsible for infrastructure within the railway network. This includes not only tracks and stations, but also the question of how energy will be supplied in the future. While conventional electric trains draw their power from overhead lines, hydrogen-powered vehicles require a completely different type of supply. The focus is therefore not on train operation, but on creating suitable framework conditions. DB Energie plays a central role in this context. There, intensive consideration is being given to how alternative energies can be integrated into existing rail systems. Hydrogen is a new technology that places different demands on planning, operation, and safety than conventional fuels.

Fuel cell traction vehicles as a starting point

On the vehicle side, the development step has already been completed. Fuel cell traction vehicles are ready for series production and can be used in regular operation. They generate the required electrical energy directly in the train by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell. The result is electrical energy for propulsion, with water as a by-product. The decisive advantage lies in the fact that they are emission-free during operation. Instead of emitting exhaust gases, only water vapor leaves the vehicle. This makes these trains particularly suitable for routes where electrification is difficult to implement economically or technically.

Hydrogen filling stations for rail transport

The real challenge begins with refueling. Unlike diesel, hydrogen cannot be easily stored and handled. It can be stored either in gaseous form under high pressure or in liquid form at extremely low temperatures. Both require special technology and high safety standards. Nevertheless, the approach is relatively pragmatic. A hydrogen filling station for trains is similar in operation to a conventional diesel filling station. The train pulls up, is refueled, and then continues its journey. The difference lies in the medium, not in the process. For operations, this means that no completely new procedures need to be learned; instead, existing routines are adapted.

Safety and acceptance in operation

A frequently expressed concern relates to safety. Hydrogen is commonly considered highly explosive, which may cause concern at first glance. In practice, however, this image is put into perspective. Hydrogen is extremely volatile and escapes immediately into the atmosphere in the event of a leak. This means that there are no dangerous accumulations as with other fuels. From the operator's point of view, handling hydrogen is no more dangerous than operating conventional diesel systems. Clear safety concepts, technical monitoring, and trained personnel are crucial. For passengers, this means that they do not need to feel any less safe in a hydrogen-powered train than in other vehicles.

• Emissions-free operation with water as the only by-product
• Series-ready fuel cell traction vehicles available
• Refueling process similar to diesel trains
• Safety level comparable to existing fuels

The next step: establishing a network of refueling stations

There is currently no comprehensive network of hydrogen refueling stations for rail transport. The introduction is therefore being carried out in a deliberate step-by-step manner. The first step is to start with individual locations in order to gain experience and test operations. This approach makes it possible to test technology and processes under real-world conditions before larger networks are established. In the long term, however, the establishment of a larger filling station network is essential. Only then can hydrogen-powered trains be used flexibly and across regions. For DB Netze, this means a new planning task that is closely linked to energy supply, infrastructure, and transport planning.

Hydrogen as a building block of the energy transition on the railways

Hydrogen is not a panacea for rail transport, but it is an important building block. It complements existing concepts such as electrification with overhead lines or the use of battery trains. Depending on the route profile, traffic volume, and regional conditions, different solutions may be appropriate. The activities of DB Netze and DB Energie show that change is already underway. Hydrogen on the railways is no longer a theoretical idea, but a technically feasible option. The decisive factor will be how quickly the necessary infrastructure can be built and acceptance gained among operators and the public. If this succeeds, hydrogen can make a noticeable contribution to cleaner and more flexible rail transport.