Polish railway operator Koleje Dolnośląskie has started testing a hydrogen-powered locomotive on passenger lines. The test runs are conducted on the line Karpacz–Jelenia Góra, on which the retro-carriage train was introduced on a permanent basis on scheduled regional connections.

Poland launches passenger trials of hydrogen locomotive
Photo: Koleje Dolnośląskie

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Prospects for hydrogen locomotive deployment

Lower Silesian Voivodeship head Paweł Gancarz announced the voivodeship is considering acquiring hydrogen-powered trains in passenger transport. The final decision remains, however, following the review of test results as well as technical feasibility.

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At the same time, the CEO of Pesa Krzysztof Zdziarski confirmed that the producer has been experimenting with hydrogen-powered locomotives since 2023. Therefore, recent tests are an important stage in the implementation of the technology in passenger transport.

Production plans and technical features

The National Environmental Protection Fund has struck a deal with Pesa on a €12.5 million grant. The funding will be applied in the production plant for hydrogen-powered locomotives, with an aim to produce up to 10 units annually by 2040.

Launched in 2021, the SM42-6Dn was the first-ever certified-in-Europe hydrogen train. The train is equipped with four 180 kW asynchronous motors, Ballard fuel cells, and batteries as power sources. The haulage capacity and speed of the train are 3,200 tons and 90 km/h, respectively.

Where in Poland are there any hydrogen train trials?

The tests are carried out in Lower Silesia on the line Karpacz–Jelenia Góra, on which the retro train is part of everyday passenger traffic.

Who manufactures the SM42-6Dn hydrogen-powered

The train was developed by Pesa, based on the SM42 diesel engine, and was powered by Ballard fuel cells and modern battery systems in pursuit of sustainable traction.

What are the possible futures of hydrogen locomotives in Poland?

Local authorities are considering procuring the hydrogen trains. Testing is a success, serial production will be underway, up to 10 locos a year by 2040.

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