Securing the Eastern European Market: Siemens Finalizes 12-Unit Hydrogen Train Contract

Romania’s first hydrogen train fleet will be supplied by Siemens Mobility. The contract is with Romania’s Railway Reform Authority (ARF). It covers 12 two-car hydrogen-powered electric multiple units. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

As Siemens Mobility notes, the trains will be based on the Mireo Plus H platform. The agreement will mark Romania’s first contract for hydrogen trains. Also, it will be one of the first hydrogen projects in Eastern Europe.

In addition, the contract scope combines train delivery with a full maintenance and repair package. The initial service period is fifteen years. All units are scheduled to enter operation in 2029.

Romania’s first hydrogen train fleet and contract scope

The Mireo Plus H uses hydrogen fuel cells for electric propulsion. It is supported by onboard battery energy storage. The batteries can be charged either by the fuel cell system or through regenerative braking. This allows efficient energy use and operation with zero local emissions.

Siemens Mobility has optimised the vehicle concept. The aim is to reduce weight, component complexity, energy consumption and maintenance costs. Also, all key onboard components have been validated during previous Siemens Mobility projects.

Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, said:
We are proud to deliver the first fleet of hydrogen trains for Romania. With the Mireo Plus H, we combine a proven regional train platform with state-of-the-art hydrogen technology, enabling zero-emission rail operations on non-electrified lines.

Hydrogen will play a key role in achieving climate-neutral mobility in Europe, and this project clearly demonstrates how innovation can be translated into reliable and economically attractive rail solutions.

Mireo Plus H specifications for Romania

The units for Romania will be based on the Siemens Mireo platform. Each train will be configured as an articulated two-unit trainset. Its maximum operating speed will be 120 km/h.

Railway News reported that each unit will provide 131 fixed seats and 5 folding seats. Also, the trains will be able to run in multiple traction. Up to two coupled units can operate together.

The vehicles will be fitted with PZB intermittent train control. They will also include the European Train Control System. Together, these systems ensure compliance with European safety and interoperability standards.

Passenger information will be provided through an updated onboard system. It will deliver continuous travel information using interior and exterior displays. Automated announcements will also be used.

Maintenance work in Romania

Maintenance will be carried out locally in Romania. Siemens Mobility personnel will perform the work. This includes work at a dedicated depot in Bucharest. Railigent X digital maintenance and fleet management systems will support the work.

The contract is structured as an integrated end-to-end service package. Its scope includes preventive and corrective maintenance. It also includes comprehensive overhauls. In addition, it covers full Entity in Charge of Maintenance responsibility and seamless material supply. The aim is to ensure optimal train availability and consistently smooth, reliable operation.

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