Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) awarded Siemens Mobility a contract for the supply of 7 two-car Mireo Plus H trains for Berlin – Brandenburg region.
The order also includes a 10-year service and spare parts contract (TSSSA) up to 2034. Siemens Mobility will thus ensure the availability of the trains over the entire term of the transport contract. The service contract not only covers the provision of all necessary maintenance, servicing and repair activities, but their continuous further development and adaptation to the customer-specific use of the trains operating on the Heidekrautbahn.
“The highly innovative hydrogen-powered trains are not only environmentally friendly, but also provide modern equipment and features tailored to the needs of our passengers. Moreover, the manufacturer’s direct involvement in maintaining the trains will ensure a high level of security regarding train availability,” Detlef Bröcker, CEO Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) said.
The two-car trains feature comfortably designed, spacious interiors. Passengers benefit from free Wi-Fi, dynamic real-time displays of passenger information, a specially designated family area, and two multi-purpose areas with generous space for buggies, wheelchairs and up to twelve bicycles.
The powered cars have three doors on each side that enable passengers in wheelchairs or with buggies to easily board or exit the train, even on lower platforms. A new signage design in the cars also facilitates speedy, uncomplicated and, above all, barrier-free passenger exchanges.
The Mireo Plus H trains for Berlin metropolitan area are planned to operate on the Heidekrautbahn network (RB27) beginning in December 2024. This is the first time when hydrogen fuel cell trains will operate the region’s rail network.
The use of hydrogen-powered trains on the Heidekrautbahn is part of a scientifically supported joint pilot project funded by the federal government and the states of Berlin and Brandenburg. The project is focused on setting up a regional, sustainable hydrogen infrastructure that also includes a hybrid power plant and a tank system. All train operations on the RB27 line are to be carried out exclusively with green energy. By switching from diesel to hydrogen, Heidekrautbahn will reduce its annual CO₂ emissions by around three million kilos and save 1.1 million liters of diesel.
Equipped with a fuel cell drive system and a lithium-ion battery, this second-generation hydrogen train provides completely CO₂ emission-free mobility.
The Mireo Plus H is a highly advanced, second-generation hydrogen train featuring a hydrogen-powered traction system with 1.7 MW of traction power providing up to 1.1 m/s2 acceleration and a top speed of 160 km/h.
In addition, the train has the lowest lifecycle costs on the market and can be refueled in just 15 minutes. The Mireo’s energy-saving and environmentally friendly design is based on its self-supporting, welded and integral lightweight aluminum construction. The train’s improved aerodynamics together with its energy-efficient components and intelligent electrical system management also help reduce emissions and the use of resources.
Share on:
