Siemens has been awarded a contract to supply Romania with its first fleet of trains powered by hydrogen,

As well as being Romania’s first hydrogen-powered trains, it will also be one of the first in Eastern Europe. The contract is for 12 Mireo Plus H trainsets to enter passenger service in 2029, and includes a long-term full-service maintenance agreement for an initial term of 15 years.

With a maximum speed of 120 km/h, the trains will be configured as articulated two-unit trainsets with each trainset providing 131 fixed and five folding seats. Internal and external Passenger Information Systems will provide continuous travel information.

PZB (intermittent train control) train protection systems and the European Train Control System will be fitted to ensure compliance with European safety and interoperability standards.

Maintenance will be by Siemens Mobility personnel at a dedicated depot in Bucharest, supported by Railigent X digital maintenance and fleet management systems.

The Mireo Plus H trains have a hydrogen fuel cell-based electric propulsion system, complemented by battery energy storage, with the batteries being charged via the fuel cell system or through regenerative braking.

Replacing diesel-powered rolling stock with new hydrogen trains will significantly reduce emissions and support Romania’s long-term sustainability and climate objectives. Mireo Plus H and Mireo Plus B trains have been deployed in 24 fleets and nearly 600 trains worldwide, and combine high energy efficiency with savings of up to 25 per cent, whilst a standardised vehicle platform provides the attendant synergies and economic benefits.

Siemens Mobility has supplied Mireo-H hydrogen-powered trains to the German operator Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn, and has a contract to supply Mireo-H trains to the Südostbayernbahn network in Germany.

“We are proud to deliver the first fleet of hydrogen trains for Romania. With the Mireo Plus-H, we combine a proven regional train platform with state-of-the-art hydrogen technology, enabling zero-emission rail operations on non-electrified lines. Hydrogen will play a key role in achieving climate-neutral mobility in Europe, and this project clearly demonstrates how innovation can be translated into reliable and economically-attractive rail solutions.”

Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility