Ballard Lands Siemens Fuel-Cell Module Order
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Pictured: Ballard-powered Siemens MIREO PLUS H2. (Photograph Courtesy of CNW Group/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)
Siemens Mobility GmbH has ordered 14 fuel-cell modules from Ballard Power Systems to power a fleet of seven Mireo Plus H passenger trains.
Delivery of the initial 14 x 200 kW modules is expected to start in 2023 with the hydrogen-powered fleet scheduled to begin service in Germany’s Berlin-Brandenburg region in late 2024, reported Ballard, which is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Siemens Mobility also has signed a letter of intent with Ballard for the supply of 200 fuel cell modules totaling 40 MW over the next six years, including a firm commitment on 100 of the modules totaling 20 MW, according to Ballard. The modules will be used for Siemen’s Mireo Plus H trains.
“This is a significant milestone for our multi-year collaboration efforts with Siemens Mobility and the future of zero-emission commuter rail in Europe,” Ballard Chief Commercial Officer David Mucciacciaro said during the Sept. 22 announcement. “Our fuel cell technology is an ideal solution to support the heavy payload, long range and rapid refueling requirements of Siemens Mobility’s passenger train fleet. We look forward to our continued collaboration and are excited for the opportunity to support the Berlin and Brandenburg region’s first hydrogen-powered rail network.”
“Our first order for a fleet of hydrogen-powered trains will enable emission-free rail transport on non-electrified routes in Germany,” said Jochen Steinbauer, Platform Director H2 Technologies at Siemens Mobility. “Our Mireo Plus H is a next-generation hydrogen train, featuring longer range, faster acceleration and state-of-the-art technologies, setting new standards in zero-emission passenger transport.”
