Germany launches historic fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains

Officials in Germany announced the launch of what they called the world’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains. The 14 trains in the fleet use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, powering the engines. They have a range of up to 621 miles and a maximum speed of 87 miles per hour. The total cost of the project is $92 million.

The fleet replaces 15 diesel trains that previously operated on nonelectrified tracks. The German government has backed expanding the use of hydrogen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. By using hydrogen produced with renewable energy, the trains will save more than 442,000 gallons of diesel fuel a year.

The hydrogen is currently produced as a byproduct in chemical processes. However, German specialty gas company Linde plans to manufacture it locally using only renewable energy within three years.

Germany’s investment in hydrogen-powered trains comes as Europe is looking to reduce its dependence on Russian oil in the wake of the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Back in June, the European Union agreed to embargo most Russian oil imports into the bloc by the end of the year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.