The International Union of Railways (UIC) presented the final conclusions of the Hydrogen RISKS project, dedicated to the safe introduction of hydrogen-based technologies in the railway sector. The final conference took place on May 26, 2026, at the ADIF Railway Technology Center in Málaga, Spain.
The event brought together railway experts, infrastructure managers, operators, and institutions involved in the development and assessment of hydrogen technologies for railways. The main theme was how hydrogen-powered systems can be introduced into the railway environment without compromising safety standards.
The Hydrogen RISKS project analyzed the risks associated with the use of hydrogen in railway applications and aimed to develop a methodology for their assessment and management. One of the main outcomes is the publication of a UIC document providing guidelines for the safe introduction of hydrogen-based technologies in the railway sector.
ADIF, RFI, and SNCF presented their accumulated experience
The conference was hosted by ADIF, Spain’s railway infrastructure manager, at its technology center in Málaga. Technical contributions included presentations by UIC members such as ADIF, RFI, Italy’s railway infrastructure manager, and SNCF, France’s national railway operator.
Discussions focused on the experience gained by the project partners, the technical and operational challenges of using hydrogen in the railway sector, as well as the next steps for implementing these technologies.
On the day before the conference, participants visited the facilities of the National Hydrogen Center in Puertollano, where they were able to see part of a hydrogen train prototype. The visit offered a practical perspective on the technology and the challenges associated with this energy solution.
ERA and FNM, involved in the project
Partners of the Hydrogen RISKS project also attended the conference, including Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM) and the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). They contributed with a presentation and by moderating a discussion session.
One element noted by UIC was the presence of a Korean delegation, including a presentation by the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) and the participation of representatives from Korail, South Korea’s national railway operator. The delegation’s participation underscored the growing international interest in hydrogen applications for railways.
The event attracted approximately 45 participants on-site, joined by an additional 20 online participants.
Risk Assessment Methodology
The main outcome of the project is the document “UIC Hydrogen Risks – Guidelines for the Safe Introduction of Hydrogen Technologies in Railways”, a public guide dedicated to the methodology for assessing and analyzing risks for hydrogen-based railway energy systems.
The guide aims to provide the industry with a common basis for understanding risks, defining safety measures, and integrating hydrogen technologies into the railway environment. The topic is important because hydrogen is seen as a potential solution for non-electrified lines, but it introduces specific requirements regarding storage, refueling, operation, and incident response.
For the European rail sector, the project comes at a time when several countries are testing or introducing hydrogen trains as an alternative to diesel traction. However, the UIC emphasizes that the expansion of these solutions depends not only on technological performance but also on the existence of clear methods for risk assessment and operational acceptance.
Hydrogen: A Promising Solution, but with Strict Requirements
Hydrogen trains are being discussed particularly for regional or secondary routes where full electrification is difficult or costly. In such cases, hydrogen can reduce local emissions and dependence on diesel, but requires dedicated refueling infrastructure and adapted safety procedures.
Through the Hydrogen RISKS project, the UIC aims to provide a common technical framework for the introduction of these solutions. Instead of isolated approaches developed separately by each operator or infrastructure manager, the guide proposes a methodology that can help harmonize practices and reduce uncertainties.
For the railway industry, the conference’s message is that hydrogen remains a relevant option for decarbonization, but its implementation must be gradual, well-documented, and supported by robust safety assessments.
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