Poland’s Office of Rail Transport (UTK) has issued the certificate granting the approval to Pesa hydrogen locomotive to enter operation.
The hydrogen shunting locomotive of type 6Dn is the result of the modernisation of the SM42 locomotive, including equipment ensuring hydrogen traction.
UTK says that “the case of the approval of this type of vehicle is a special one. Both the technical specifications for interoperability (TSI) and the national technical regulations contained in the Letter of the President of UTK do not provide for requirements for hydrogen-powered rail vehicles in terms of hydrogen installation.”
The development of hydrogen locomotive prototype started in 2019 with the aim to further develop the zero-emission solution on passenger multiple units – using hydrogen-powered fuel cells. To undertake actions accelerating the introduction of hydrogen technology in Poland, Pesa cooperated with PKN Orlen and PKP SA.
The SM42 6Dn locomotive is a four-axle shunting locomotive with 4x180kW traction motors. It has been equipped with an innovative power source, which is a zero-emission hydrogen drive. Two hydrogen cells manufactured by Ballard are responsible for generating energy. The 85 kW cell is a system that generates voltage in the chemical reaction of hydrogen with oxygen from the atmosphere. Hydrogen is taken from tanks with a total capacity of 175 kg and one refuelling allows for 24-hour shunting of the locomotive. The locomotive is equipped with an autonomous driving system, enabling the driver to control the vehicle by one person while setting up trains, and an obstacle recognition system (anti-collision).
Pesa hydrogen locomotive is the first phase of the company’s plans to develop and implement hydrogen technologies in rail vehicles. The experience gained during the implementation of this project will be the base for the construction of a passenger vehicle with hydrogen drive and its prototype will be ready in 2025, the company said. These products are developed under ‘Green Pesa’ strategy which assumes the maximum reduction of the carbon footprint both, in the production and operation of rail vehicles.
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