The Province of Groningen has published the results of the Coradia iLint tests, which were conducted in March 2020 on the 65-kilometer route between Groningen and Leeuwarden in the north of the Netherlands. The tests were performed to assess whether a hydrogen train could be a fully sustainable alternative to the diesel trains currently operating in the north of the country.
The report concludes that Alstom’s hydrogen train has successfully met the four objectives of the testing framework: Approval by the Dutch NSA (National Safety Assessor) to run on the Dutch rail network; fully emission-free operation and perfectly attuned to the current commercial passenger timetable; quick and easy refuelling; and raising public awareness of hydrogen mobility.
Both the regular timetable (all stations services) and the express timetable were tested successfully. Hydrogen consumption, infrastructure compatibility, acceleration, braking, docking, top speed, performance of auxiliary systems – all operations performed without problems. The Dutch train drivers assessed the train’s handling as being both comfortable and smooth as well as being easy to drive. The refuelling with green hydrogen was faster than expected and was performed safely. In addition, this zero-emission train is significantly quieter than current diesel trains. This was confirmed during the tests and is a significant advantage for passengers and residents living along the railway line.
The report concludes that all objectives were met and that the hydrogen train is a fully functional alternative to the diesel counterparts. The Alstom hydrogen train has been extensively tested together with the operator Arriva in the province of Groningen, the Dutch railroad infrastructure manager ProRail and the energy company Engie. DEKRA, an independent testing, inspection and certification body, served as the test supervisor. The tests took place without passengers.
The public report is available here:
www.alstom.com/sites/alstom.com/files/2020/09/30/Rapport%20Waterstoftrein%20Groningen_EN.pdf