CAF and Iberdrola signed a framework agreement to promote globally the use of green hydrogen in the rail sector focusing emission-free rail passenger transport.
Both companies will promote comprehensive solutions to replace diesel trains without the need to install catenary or make major modifications on the infrastructure.
“By partnering with CAF we intend to continue providing solutions that will serve as a catalyst for the transition to zero-emission transport,” Millán-García Tola, Iberdrola’s Global Director for Green Hydrogen said.
Under the agreement, Iberdrola will supply the green hydrogen for CAF’s train pilot project from its new Barcelona plant, which was set into operation at the beginning of 2022.
The tests are due to start in April this year for the new train CAF has developed at its Zaragoza plant as part of the European FCH2RAIL project.
The project, initiated by CAF, is already well underway in terms of the design and production of a hydrogen train prototype based on a Renfe Civia series commuter train.
The pilot train will be fitted with a new electric generator system based on the hybridisation of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, will combine with the vehicle existing traction system to become one of the first rail showcases for hydrogen cell dual energy mode systems.
The two companies will also develop the renewable hydrogen value chain with the highest standards of safety, technology and competitiveness in environments such as the railway sector and passenger transport. This move will help local companies to develop the technology and production capacity to drive the transformation of the sector in Spain and compete in the international market.
“We believe that this partnership agreement with Iberdrola is another step towards furthering this commitment and will contribute significantly to achieving the decarbonisation goals in the transport sector,” Iosu Ibarbia, the CAF Group Technology Manager, said.
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