Bringing everyone the freedom to move easily while preserving the planet is the raison d’être of our group. For several years now, SNCF has been working with manufacturers to develop ever more environmentally friendly TER equipment. The introduction of hydrogen trains in 2022 is at the heart of this commitment.

Concrete translation of our investments in zero carbon technologies, the arrival of hydrogen trains aims to replace the diesel TER locomotives running on non-electrified parts of the network. Diesel represents, in fact, still 25% of the energy consumed by TER and is responsible for 75% of their CO 2 emissions .

An ambitious project in the heart of the territories

To fulfill this objective, a steering committee was set up in December 2018. Composed of SNCF, Regions and the manufacturer Alstom, it is responsible for monitoring the progress of the first stages of the deployment of hydrogen and adapt our network and our infrastructure to this technology.

The first tests of hydrogen TERs, developed in parallel with hybrid TER and biofuel research, are planned in the course of 2021.

In addition, many regions are already interested in circulating TER H2 and, in particular, Burgundy-Franche-Comté, Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Hauts-de-France.

The hydrogen train, how does it work? It is in the roof of the hydrogen train that hides the fuel cell. By mixing the on-board hydrogen and the oxygen present in the ambient air, it produces the electricity necessary to pull the train. Manufactured by Alstom, the train is dual mode (electric and H 2 ) and can reach a maximum speed of 160 km / h by carrying up to 220 passengers for a range of about 600 km.