Talgo will start static testing of its TPH2 prototype hydrogen locomotive in March at its Las Matas plant (near Madrid) followed by mainline testing on Extremadura railway lines.
To develop its project, along with the implementation of its research, development and innovation strategy, Talgo and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a EUR 35 million green loan. All of the investments will be made in Spain and will be implemented between 2021 and 2024 and will be focused on the development of low-carbon rail vehicles.
The EIB financing will boost Patentes Talgo’s competitiveness through the development of new rolling stock solutions and the expansion of its product portfolio.
This operation, the third to be signed with Patentes Talgo, will finance various investments by the company in research, development and innovation activities connected to the development of key components and systems for low-carbon rail transport vehicles.
All the EIB-financed investments will be in line with the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and the Climate Bank Roadmap. As well as delivering safer products and manufacturing processes, the investments will have positive environmental effects related to the development of more energy-efficient rolling stock using recyclable composite materials. They will also help to promote sustainable mobility by gradually increasing passenger and goods rail traffic, fostering an affordable high-speed rail network.
The EIB-financed investment plan includes RDI projects aligned with the EU Horizon 2020 programme on Smart, Green and Integrated Transport. The goal of this programme is to boost the competitiveness of European transport industries and to achieve a resource-efficient, environmentally friendly and safe European transport system for the benefit of all.
The hydrogen train prototype
The TPH2 prototype hydrogen locomotive is developed with the University Centre of Merida, part of the University of Extremadura. The test train consists of a Talgo Travca multi-system locomotive designed as a prototype vehicle which is capable of changing various gauges and adapting to various electrification voltages. It comprises five Talgo Pendular coaches fitted with fuel cell hydrogen technology and a laboratory for the control and analysis of the test results. The prototype train will be used to test hydrogen technology functionality to develop its Talgo Vittal One train platform to provide short- and medium-distance services.
The hydrogen will be 100% produced using renewable energy sources ensuring a green and innovative train which will perfectly replace the diesel traction where rail lines are not suitable to be electrified. The hydrogen will be delivered by Repsol under an agreement signed in July 2021.
The system is complemented by batteries that increase the power available, taking advantage of the train’s braking system to recharge itself.
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