Originally serving as a vital transport route in the early 1900s, over time the Heidekrautbahn line fell out of regular use, leaving its tracks and infrastructure in a state of neglect. However, in a decisive move towards sustainable transport, the line has been revived with the help of Siemens Mobility's Mireo Plus H trains, powered by Ballard fuel cells, and designed to replace diesel-powered rolling stock on this non-electrified route.
Initially launched in December 2024, regular operation on the Heidekrautbahn with the Mireo Plus H is a collaboration between Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB), Siemens Mobility, and several key partners - including Ballard - and represents a transformative step for the rejuvenated line, setting new standards in green mobility.
Employing a hydrogen traction system and high drive power, the Mireo Plus H not only offer a sustainable alternative but also maintains high efficiency and reliability. For the past nine months, the trains have successfully been in daily service between Berlin-Karow und Groß Schönebeck/Wensickendorf, with a half-hourly frequency and a track speed of 80km/h.
The initial operational phase has already demonstrated the potential of hydrogen technology, by showing a significant reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 2,500 tons per year.
The task to re-establish the traditional Heidekrautbahn was not without its hurdles. Initial challenges included the implementation of a robust hydrogen infrastructure which included integrating new technology into the existing rail network. As a result, the project experienced initial teething problems, but these logistical issues have since been ironed out, and operations with the new vehicles have been running smoothly.
The success of the Heidekrautbahn project is a testament to the power of collaboration. Multiple stakeholders, including NEB, Siemens Mobility, Ballard, Enertrag, Kreiswerke Barnim, and various governmental and scientific bodies, played crucial roles in bringing this vision to life. Their combined efforts ensured that the project overcame challenges and achieved significant milestones.
Siemens Mobility provided the state-of-the-art technology for the Mireo Plus H that set new standards in emission-free passenger transport. Driven by two Ballard 200kW fuel cell engines, the trains have consistently demonstrated high efficiency and reliability, critical for meeting the operational demands of regional rail transport.
The scientific support from the German Aerospace Centre and the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg also provided valuable insights into the feasibility and optimization of hydrogen technology in railway applications.
Looking ahead, the Heidekrautbahn project serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at decarbonizing the transport sector. The ongoing development of hydrogen infrastructure and the continuous improvement of hydrogen technology will further enhance the viability and attractiveness of fuel cell-powered trains.
A new hydrogen facility in Wensickendorf (Oberhavel district, Brandenburg) will be built by ENERTRAG to enable regional production of green hydrogen from wind and solar energy – directly at the site. The facility will produce up to 380 tonnes of green hydrogen annually from 2026 onwards and a significant portion – around 230 tonnes per year – will be reserved for supplying the Heidekrautbahn (RB27) railway line between Barnim and Berlin. The regional supply of clean hydrogen to the Heidekrautbahn is an important building block for CO₂-free, quiet rail transport and at the same time offers prospects for future applications in passenger and commercial transport in the region.