Spain funds plan to develop world’s first hydrogen-electric hybrid train capable of speeds of over 250km/h

A consortium of ten companies has received approval for a plan to retrofit a high-speed tilting train with hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, allowing it to operate on sections of Spain's rail network without overhead lines. This project, named "Hympulso," secured a €6.4 million ($7 million) grant from the Spanish government under the Incentive Programme for Innovation Value Chain and Knowledge of Renewable Hydrogen. The retrofit involves the Talgo 250 "all-terrain" train, making it the world's first hydrogen-enabled high-speed train, capable of reaching speeds up to 250 km/h (155 mph).

The Talgo 250 currently operates on Spain's extensive 3,200 km high-speed rail network, the second-largest globally, accommodating speeds of up to 310 km/h. The retrofit includes replacing one of the two "technical end cars" containing diesel generators with a car housing hydrogen fuel cells and batteries. The modified train will also feature an automatic track-gauge change, enabling it to run on both conventional and high-speed networks, especially in areas lacking catenary coverage.

The funding will also support the development of two green hydrogen refueling stations. Repsol, a Spanish oil company, will contribute a mobile unit, while Golendus, an H2 vehicle retrofit specialist, will provide a stationary supply depot. The engineering firm Sener will conduct testing and simulate the operation of the service.

Despite the financial support, the consortium has not disclosed when the hydrogen-enabled train will enter commercial operation or if hydrogen fuel cells will be utilized at high speeds. The funding is part of Spain's Incentive Programme, aligned with the EU-funded Resilience and Recovery fund, emphasizing innovation, value chain enhancement, and knowledge of renewable hydrogen.

Leading the Hympulso project is train-maker Talgo, joined by companies such as Repsol, Golendus, and research and development firm Tecnalia. Spain's state-owned rail infrastructure company, Adif, will serve as an observer for the hydrogen refueling stations.

This initiative represents a significant step toward integrating hydrogen fuel cells into high-speed rail transport, showcasing the potential for innovative, sustainable solutions in the evolving landscape of transportation.