Poland: A two-car DM90 set, built by German firm Talbot in the late 1990s and formerly operated in the Netherlands, has undergone conversion. One of its two engines was adapted for hydrogen injection and combustion. The train was fitted with three fuel tanks affording a 60 km hydrogen range, planned to increase to 440 km. The works took 45 days.
The Hyiptrain project is executed by Latvian engineering firm DIGAS in partnership with Ukrainian gas equipment electronics manufacturer Mikroluch. Private operator SKPL provided the rolling stock and a line to test it. Note that DIGAS is pursuing a parallel initiative on a diesel locomotive in Ireland.
Testing demonstrated NOx emissions reduced by 83% and particulates by 96%. DIGAS confirmed to IRJ that temporary operating approval has been secured. Full certification for passenger service will require approximately six months.
However, DIGAS business development head Roberts Strods emphasised viability hinges on hydrogen pricing versus diesel. “Clean hydrogen currently costs two to two-and-a-half times more than diesel. If the gap narrows to 1.2–1.5 times, it could appeal to the sector,” he noted.
