Siemens Mobility announced in December 2024 that the first Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains, powered by Ballard, had received approval to enter public service in Berlin-Brandenburg and Bavaria – marking a significant milestone for commuters experiencing hydrogen-powered trains for the first time.
Commencing passenger operation on December 16, seven Mireo Plus H hydrogen-powered trains entered service for Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn on the Heidekrautbahn line in Berlin-Brandenburg. The trains are estimated to save 1.1 million liters of diesel fuel per year and reduce CO2 emissions by 3,000 tons.
Locally-produced hydrogen is used in the trains’ fuel cells, supplied by Enertrag to public transport agency VBB, and recovered braking energy is used to further increase the Mireo Plus H’s energy efficiency. Enertrag is also currently developing a 4MW renewable hydrogen production plant in Oberhavel to supply the trains, which is due to start operations by the end of this year.
Each train is powered by two 200kW fuel cell engines supplied by Ballard – being the optimal solution to support the heavy payload, long range, and rapid refueling requirements of Siemens passenger rail fleet.
The Mireo Plus H also replaces diesel-powered trains at Bayrische Regiobahn for the next two-and-a-half years, beginning with selected runs in the East Allgäu-Lechfeld network, with plans to expand to Ammersee-Altmühltal, following successful initial deployment.
This step sets new standards in sustainability for German passenger rail, and is part of Bavaria’s ambitious strategy to ensure its regional rail system is fully decarbonized by 2040.
Combining innovation with sustainability, the Mireo Plus H has a long operating range of up to 1,200km, is powered by a hydrogen traction system with a high drive power of 1.7 MW for accelerating up to 1.1 m/s2, and has a top speed of 160 km/h.