METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Alstom testing hydrogen fuel-cell train in the Netherlands

The tests will be carried out on the track between Groningen and Leeuwarden at up to approximately 87 mph and will last about two weeks.

November 6, 2019
Alstom testing hydrogen fuel-cell train in the Netherlands

The Coradia iLint is the world’s first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which produces electrical power for traction.

Alstom

2 min to read


The Coradia iLint is the world’s first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which produces electrical power for traction. Alstom

Alstom and the Province of Groningen, local operator Arriva, the Dutch railway infrastructure manager ProRail and the energy company Engie signed plans for a pilot project to test the Coradia iLint, the world’s first passenger train powered by hydrogen fuel cells, for the first time in the Netherlands. The signature took place as part of the “Klimaattop”, or Climate Summit Northern Netherlands, taking place this week in Groningen.

The tests will be carried out on the track between Groningen and Leeuwarden at up to approximately 87 mph and will last about two weeks. The ambition is to organize the test during the first quarter of 2020. The objective is to demonstrate that hydrogen fuel-cell technology is an appropriate way to achieve zero-emission rail traffic on non-electrified lines in the Netherlands where there are currently diesel trains running.

Ad Loading...

The Coradia iLint is the world’s first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which produces electrical power for traction. The train is quiet and emission-free, emitting only water and steam during operation. It represents a clean alternative for railway operators and regional authorities wishing to replace diesel fleets for operation on non-electrified lines and meet ambitious zero-emission objectives.

The world’s first two hydrogen trains have already been in regular passenger service in Lower Saxony in Germany since September 2018. The local transport authority LNVG will operate 14 Coradia iLint trains on that line from 2021. Also in Germany, RMV this ordered 27 Coradia iLint — the largest fleet of hydrogen trains in the world — for operation from 2022.

More Zero Emissions

Rows of MTA's Long Island Railroad (LIRR) commuter rail cars.

New York Awards $4.5M for Zero-Emission Microtransit and Bike Access Projects

NYSERDA funding will support electric microtransit and secure bike storage to improve first- and last-mile connections across downstate New York.

Read More →
Cover photo for METROspectives with The Bus Coalition
Busby Alex RomanMarch 13, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

Read More →
A SunLine clean air bus at a stop.
Zero Emissionsby Alex RomanMarch 10, 2026

U.S. Zero-Emission Bus Adoption Surpasses 8,000 Vehicles

CALSTART’s latest Zeroing in on ZEBs report shows continued nationwide growth despite supply-chain challenges. The group’s Deputy Director of Transit, Mike Hynes, talked to METRO about how agencies are adapting procurement strategies, fleet plans, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An LA Metro clean air articulated bus
Zero EmissionsMarch 9, 2026

California’s Push Against Federal Headwinds to Reach 100% Zero-Emission Transit Goals

Even amid shifts in federal funding, California continues to advance its zero-emission agenda, enforcing and funding its regulatory framework despite federal obstacles.

Read More →
A Mountain Line bus
Zero Emissionsby Alex RomanMarch 4, 2026

BetterFleet’s Dan Hilson on the Mountain Line Contract and Intelligent Charge Management

Mountain Line selected BetterFleet’s charge-management and fleet-operations platform to support its nearly all-electric bus fleet and future electrification plans.

Read More →
A white Chesco Connect paratransit bus parked outside.
Zero Emissionsby Elora HaynesFebruary 9, 2026

Why Chester County Chose Propane To Power Its Demand-Response Transit Fleet

See how the county’s Chesco Connect system is replacing its buses with propane autogas to cut costs, reduce emissions, and support high-demand paratransit operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
King County Metro electric buses made by GILLIG.
Busby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Seattle's King County Metro Introduces New Battery-Electric Buses

Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.

Read More →
A black, white, and light purple graphic with an image of a BAE Systems hybrid electric bus and text reading "Re-Examining Hybrid Buses in Transit."
Zero Emissionsby Elora HaynesJanuary 19, 2026

Why Some Transit Agencies Are Re-Examining Hybrid Buses

As zero-emission goals advance, hybrid buses remain part of fleet strategies, offering reliability and operational flexibility.

Read More →
Zero Emissionsby StaffJanuary 14, 2026

California's VVTA Unveils Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses, Fueling Station, and Brand Refresh

The introduction of hydrogen fuel cell buses represents a significant step forward in reducing emissions while maintaining reliable, high-quality transit service.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsDecember 24, 2025

Biz Briefs: Electric Paratransit Buses in San Francisco and More

Biz Briefs covers the latest supplier news in the motorcoach and public transit industries.

Read More →