Rail

Credit: CAF (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 [creativecommons.org])

In Europe, the FCH2Rail project has developed a hydrogen train demonstrator in order to analyse the readiness of the new technology in terms of supply chains, operation, maintenance and refuelling as well as standards and legislation. This initiative is funded by the European Union and supported by a consortium that includes CAF, CNH2, DLR, RENFE, ADIF, Infraestruturas de Portugal, Stemmann-Technik and TOYOTA. The project aimed to create a bi-modal hydrogen train based on RENFE's "Civia" model, featuring two 210 kW fuel cell hybrid power packs. The commissioning tests were completed by October 2022, and the demonstrator trials took place from March 2023 until mid 2024.

TÜV SÜD's involvement was crucial, providing interdisciplinary expertise from different teams over four years. As the Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) and Assessment Body (AsBo), TÜV SÜD has conducted safety assessments during the design, implementation, and validation phases of the hydrogen and lithium-ion battery systems. We have also assessed the safety management of retrofit activities to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

In addition, TÜV SÜD contributed to a major project deliverable by developing a Legislative-Gap-Analysis based on the project results and a complex analysis of the current European normative and legislative situation, to support future EU legislation on railway vehicles with alternative propulsion technologies.

Credit: CAF (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 [creativecommons.org])

The CIVIA H2 was the first hydrogen train on the Iberian Peninsula and represents a significant development in European train travel. TÜV SÜD's involvement has helped ensure the project's safety and reliability, paving the way for potential future collaborations on serial hydrogen trains.

TÜV SÜD is also contributing to the development of the future IEC 63341-x standard for hydrogen trains. Our assessments and strategies support sustainable rail solutions, advancing railway safety and innovation globally.

Credit: CAF (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 [creativecommons.org])