Alstom has acquired Cummins’ hydrogen technology by taking over its hydrogen fuel cell operations for the rail sector. The transaction includes the engineering, product development, and support capabilities currently used in the hydrogen-powered train fleets operated by Alstom.
Through this strategic move, the company is consolidating its position in the field of alternative traction and strengthening its ability to develop and maintain hydrogen-powered trains, an essential solution for non-electrified lines.
Cummins’ hydrogen technology, a strategic step for Alstom
Integrating technologies developed by Cummins allows Alstom to better control the entire development chain of hydrogen systems, from design to maintenance. This means improved reliability, durability, and energy efficiency for existing trains, as well as accelerated progress on projects already contracted in countries such as Germany, Italy, and France.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is playing an increasingly important role in the transition to green rail transport, especially on routes where conventional electrification is too costly or difficult to implement. Although battery-powered trains have evolved significantly, hydrogen solutions remain essential for long-distance routes lacking electrical infrastructure.
By taking on these activities, Alstom is not only optimizing its costs and internal processes but also strengthening its ability to meet the needs of rail operators seeking sustainable alternatives to diesel trains.
Danny Di Perna, Alstom’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that this integration enables the company to improve the maintenance and performance of existing fleets, while maintaining a high level of alignment with customers’ operational needs and the rail sector’s decarbonization goals.
Hydrogen Technology for the Coradia iLint
In 2015, Hydrogenics, a part of Cummins, was selected as a key partner by Alstom to develop and implement hydrogen fuel cell systems for the Coradia iLint, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell train. The train was first previewed at the Innotrans exhibition in Berlin in 2016, with the first test drive taking place in Germany the following year. With a range of up to 1,000 km per filled hydrogen tank, the fuel cell train matches the mileage per fueling of conventional regional trains, with a lower environmental impact and lower noise levels, while maintaining a top speed of 140 km/h.
Since September 2018, two hydrogen fuel cell trains have been successfully operating in commercial service in northern Germany. Since the launch of the Coradia iLint trains, an increasing number of rail operators have expressed interest in this zero-emission alternative. The hydrogen-powered train has also reached North America, where, in June 2023, it entered service in Quebec, Canada.
Share on:
