Canada-headed Ballard Power Systems Inc. has announced that it has signed an Equipment Supply Agreement to provide eight 70 kW FCmove-HD fuel cell modules to Spain-headed high-speed light rail train developer and manufacturer Talgo S.A.
The fuel cell modules are destined for trials of the hydrogen-powered Talgo Vittal-One commuter and regional passenger train. Talgo plans to conduct its demonstration in early 2022 in Spain, with expected commercialization in 2023.
Green hydrogen is no longer the future, it is a reality. The implementation of hydrogen trains, such as the one Talgo is developing, will improve mobility and have a positive impact on the environment by replacing diesel technology. It will allow us to make the most of the non-electrified railways in many countries while reducing the carbon footprint. The announcement earlier this year of EU policies to accelerate decarbonization further validate this key step in the early adoption of hydrogen trains in order to achieve these greenhouse gas reduction goals, said Emilio Garcia, Talgo Innovation Director.
The modular system being designed by Talgo is intended for installation on all types of passenger trains, as well as in upgrades or retrofits from diesel to hydrogen power.
The innovative system utilizes hydrogen and fuel cells for propulsion, complemented by batteries that assist the train from a standing start and take advantage of the braking system for recharging.
Hydrogen technology is an appropriate solution for heavy transport applications such as trains, where railway lines do not currently have catenary electrification systems and depend on diesel engines,
We are excited to be working with Talgo through the testing phases of its Talgo Vittal-One train. This relationship is another sign of the growing momentum in the deployment of zero-emission fuel cell propulsion solutions in the rail industry across numerous geographies. Fuel cell systems enable conventional rail networks to realize the benefits of electrification without the cost and infrastructure challenges of overhead catenary wiring, noted Oben Uluc, Ballard Director of Sales for EMEA and India.
