Alstom debuts the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell passenger train in Poland

Credit: Alstom - The Coradia iLint on the Railway Research Institute's test track in Żmigród, near Wrocław in Poland.

Alstom’s Coradia iLint, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell passenger train, has made its debut on the Railway Research Institute’s test track in Żmigród, near Wrocław in Poland.

Over the course of two days, Alstom teams will present the train to a variety of local stakeholders – including regional operators, transport authorities, government decision-makers and leading media – in order to highlight the potential of the Coradia iLint for sustainable transport in Poland.

The showcase comes in the wake of the announcement of Poland’s National Recovery Plan, which includes provisions for the introduction of 30 low-emission trains for Polish regional operators by 2026.

Alstom’s Coradia iLint is the world’s first and only operational passenger train powered by hydrogen fuel cells. This completely emission-free train is quiet and emits only water vapor and condensation. The train features several different innovations: clean energy conversion and an efficient energy supply and storage system, combined with intelligent energy management. Designed specifically for use on non-electrified lines, it enables clean, sustainable train operations.

“The Coradia iLint trains represent a huge opportunity for Poland to reduce CO₂ emissions and even decarbonise rail transport. Thanks to hydrogen-powered public transport, regional operators can be beacons of modern mobility, as experienced recently in Germany, the Netherlands and Austria – who have tested and are implementing or planning to implement hydrogen trains. If Poland builds refueling stations and announces tenders for hydrogen trains, Alstom’s Konstal site will have all of the tools necessary to manufacture such a fleet. The Coradia iLint is an exact copy of the best-selling Coradia Lint, which has been produced in Chorzów. The only difference is propulsion; diesel is replaced by fuel cells, which guarantee emission-free transport,” said Sławomir Nalewajka, Managing Director of Alstom in Poland, Ukraine and the Baltics.