Siemens Mobility and the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg for Renewable Energy signed an MOU for joint research in the use of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology in rail transport.

The use of hydrogen technology in rail transport is becoming increasingly important as a solution for reducing CO₂ emissions and helping to meet climate targets. In recent years, Siemens Mobility has developed a hydrogen-powered train, the Mireo Plus H. In this technology, hydrogen is tanked in gas form and must be kept under high pressure in order to achieve the required high density.

In this process, an organic carrier liquid absorbs hydrogen and releases it only when needed. The hydrogen is thus chemically bound and can’t escape in a gas form. This way, it can be prepared and stored safely, and transported inexpensively. Storage under high pressure or at low temperatures is no longer necessary. A special advantage of the technology: LOHC is also suitable for the on-board generation of electrical power in mobile applications like trains.

Through the prospect of providing the Helmholtz Institute with a Vectron mainline locomotive from Siemens Mobility, the two partners have the opportunity to work together to demonstrate the feasibility of the LOHC concept.

 "Hydrogen technology is a promising solution for making rail transport climate-neutral. And since sustainability has a very high priority for us at Siemens Mobility, we’re providing a Vectron locomotive for testing the LOHC technology," said Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock, Siemens Mobility.