Siemens Mobility has been awarded a new contract by Romania’s Railway Reform Authority (ARF) for the delivery of 12 two-car hydrogen-powered electric multiple units.
With units based on the Mireo Plus H platform; the agreement will mark the first hydrogen train contract in Romania, and one of the first hydrogen projects in Eastern Europe.
The trains will form Romania’s first hydrogen fleet
© Siemens Mobility
The contract includes the delivery of trains as well as full maintenance and repair services for an initial term of fifteen years, with all units set to be enter operation in 2029.
Featuring a hydrogen fuel cell-based electric propulsion system; the Mireo Plus H is complemented by battery energy storage. All batteries are charged either via the fuel cell system or through regenerative braking, allowing for highly efficient energy use, as well as zero local emissions during operation.
Siemens Mobility has optimised the vehicle concept in order to reduce weight, component complexity, energy consumption and maintenance costs, with all key onboard components having been validated during previous Siemens Mobility projects.
Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, said:
We are proud to deliver the first fleet of hydrogen trains for Romania. With the Mireo Plus H, we combine a proven regional train platform with state‑of‑the‑art hydrogen technology, enabling zero‑emission rail operations on non‑electrified lines.
Hydrogen will play a key role in achieving climate‑neutral mobility in Europe, and this project clearly demonstrates how innovation can be translated into reliable and economically attractive rail solutions.
Each unit developed for Romania is based on the Siemens Mireo platform, and will be configured as an articulated two-unit trainset with a maximum operating speed of 120 km/h. Each will offer 131 fixed seats plus 5 folding seats, and will be able to operate in multiple traction of up to two couple units.
All vehicles will be equipped with PZB (intermittent train control) train protection systems and the European Train Control System, ensuring compliance with European safety and interoperability standards. An up-to-date Passenger Information System will provide continuous travel information through both interior and exterior displays, as well as automated announcements.
Maintenance operations will be carried out locally in Romania, including at a dedicated depot in Bucharest by Siemens Mobility personnel and supported by Railigent X digital maintenance and fleet management systems.
The contract’s scope aims to deliver a fully integrated, end-to-end service solution combining preventative and corrective maintenance, comprehensive overhauls, full Entity in Charge of Maintenance responsibility and seamless material supply in order to ensure optimal train availability and consistently smooth, reliable operations.