The Burgundy-Franche-Comté region in the east of France has become the first in the country to place a firm order for buying hydrogen-powered trains from manufacturer Alstom.
The region has ordered three trains which it will use to replace diesel-powered TER trains running on non-electrified or partially electrified lines in the area. The trains will initially run on the line between Auxerre and Laroche-Migennes.
The trains can reach a maximum speed of 160km/h and carry up to 220 passengers over a range of between 400 and 600km. The first tests of the hydrogen-powered trains is expected in 2024.
Three other regions are also placing orders for a total of 14 hydrogen-powered trains - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Grand-Est and Occitanie.
The regions are also developing local hydrogen ecosystems with the installation of the first multimodal hydrogen production and distribution station to supply trains, buses and other road transport. The hydrogen will be produced by a subsidiary of power company EDF by electrolysis using electricity from the grid.