The planned start of operation for hydrogen trains on the Heidekrautbahn (RB27) at the end of 2023 is expected to be postponed by one year / the reason for this is the changed application deadlines for subsidies

Berlin–Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) has been planning to implement an extensive hydrogen project together with ENERTRAG AG and the Barnim district works for two years. The main goal of the project is to use new passenger cars powered by green, regionally produced hydrogen. The hydrogen trains are to be used on the Heidekrautbahn (RB27) between Berlin-Karow – Basdorf – Groß Schönebeck / Schmachtenhagen and on the mainline to be reactivated between Berlin-Wilhelmsruh and Basdorf.

After a second application for funding was submitted to the project management agency BAV in July 2019 due to the prospect of improved funding conditions, changes in funding have occurred as part of the Federal Budget Consultations 2020. The resulting extended application deadlines for the funding of hydrogen projects now lead to a delay in the implementation of the project. As a result, the use of the new hydrogen trains on the RB27 can only be expected from the end of 2024. The project was planned to be implemented by the timetable change in December 2023.

Operating environmentally friendly, hydrogen-powered vehicles can significantly reduce noise pollution and CO₂ emissions in regional traffic. The “green” hydrogen is not only generated 100% from locally sourced, renewable energies, but also enables completely emission-free local rail passenger transport (SPNV) on the Heidekrautbahn across the entire value chain from generation to consumption and operation. The innovative hydrogen and fuel cell technology thus takes into account the zero-emission strategy of the Barnim district and the energy strategy of the State of Brandenburg in 2030. Last but not least, the hydrogen trains support the increase in the attractiveness of public transport and the expansion of environmentally friendly, green tourism in the Barnim district.

Detlef Bröcker, CEO of Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn-AG: “With this extensive pilot project, everyone involved is breaking new ground in every respect. Because of this, changes in the project process that lead to delays are not always predictable. The Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn and its partners will continue to push ahead with the planned use of the hydrogen trains on the RB27 in order to advance climate protection in the Barnim district. ”

Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn AG

The Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) creates mobility in local rail passenger transport for our Berlin-Brandenburg region. The roots of the company, which is over 100 years old and rich in tradition, lie here and are at the same time a claim and motivation for an environmentally friendly connection between city and country.

Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn-AG owns and operates the Heidekrautbahn network in the northern Berlin region as a railway infrastructure company.