At the timetable change on 15 December, hydrogen and battery trains started running on the Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) lines for the first time, as well as another hydrogen train in Bavaria.
On the Heidekrautbahn RB27 (Groß Schönebeck / Schmachtenhagen – Basdorf – Berlin), the new Mireo Plus H hydrogen vehicles from Siemens with state-of-the-art fuel cell drive replace the diesel vehicles previously used with immediate effect. This is the first time that hydrogen-powered rail vehicles will be used in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.
This makes the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region the second region in Germany, after Schleswig-Holstein, to use battery trains on a permanent basis.
The Mireo Plus B battery-electric vehicles from Siemens are being introduced in stages on the East Brandenburg network: from 15 December, battery-powered vehicles were deployed on the RB25 (Berlin – Werneuchen), RB35 (Fürstenwalde – Bad Saarow-Pieskow) and RB63 (Eberswalde – Joachimsthal) lines. On the other lines operated by NEB, battery-electric vehicles will be deployed during the first half of 2025.
The Mireo Plus H and the Mireo Plus B are ultra-modern trains with fuel cell drive and battery electric drive respectively, which are designed to be energy-saving and environmentally friendly and reach a maximum authorised speed of 140 km/h. The Mireo Plus H hydrogen train can travel up to around 1000 kilometres on one tank of fuel and the battery trains can cover up to 120 kilometres on battery power.
We reported about the financing of the Mireo Plus H trains here.
Structurally, the Mireo Plus B and Plus H trains differ from their all-electric siblings in that the car bodies have been shortened in order to comply with the axle load of 20 tonnes for branch lines and also to keep the weight of the trains low.
In 2021, NEB has ordered a total of 38 Mireo trains with alternative and environmentally friendly drive systems from Siemens Mobility, 31 of which are battery trains. We reported here:
This is the first time that battery or hydrogen-powered rail vehicles have been used in VBB’s regular services in Brandenburg and Berlin. The switch from diesel to hydrogen and battery will reduce annual CO2 emissions by around 14.5 million kilograms and save around 5.5 million litres of diesel.
In addition to the use of modern vehicles, passengers can look forward to further amenities: all new vehicles are equipped with WLAN and offer access to an infotainment portal. For many lines, the use of the new vehicles also means a noticeable increase in seating capacity. In addition, there will be more frequent services or more journeys in the morning or evening on many lines.
The author was able to take a look at the new Mireo Plus B trains on a journey from Berlin-Lichtenberg to Werneuchen. The journey on the new battery trains is very quiet – especially compared to the older diesel trains that have now been replaced. Acceleration in battery mode is comparable to electric multiple units.
Four charging stations for the BEMUs
On the main lines, which are already electrified with 15 kV 16.7 Hz, the battery is charged while travelling and when stationary. At Lichtenberg station, the overhead line on one track has even been reinforced with an aluminium strip, presumably to enable higher charging capacities than the conventional 1.2 MW when stationary.
In order to enable stabling at non-electrified end points in the Brandenburg region in particular, Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn-AG has put railway charging infrastructure out to tender and is procuring VOLTAP charging stations from Tübingen/Bern for this purpose. The contract was awarded in November 2022 as part of a Europe-wide tender to Stadtwerke Tübingen and the Bern-based company Furrer+Frey, which builds catenary systems. This will allow NEB to charge its 31 Mireo battery trains intended for use on the East Brandenburg network much more flexibly. VOLTAP fast-charging stations are planned at a total of four locations: Beeskow, Templin, Werneuchen and Wriezen, see map.
Comprehensive service package
Stadtwerke Tübingen and Furrer+Frey are not only taking care of the installation of all the technical connections and administrative authorisations required for operation, but also of all the necessary installations for frost protection, preconditioning and charging of battery trains via their pantographs. Charging with alternating voltage 25 kilovolts (kV) at 50 Hertz is planned. Depending on the location, up to five battery trains can be charged simultaneously. The advantage here is that the existing national grid can be used for 25 kV 50 Hz, while the vehicles are already designed as multi-system vehicles for 25 kV and 50 Hz.
The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs and Transport with a total of 2.3 million euros as part of the BMDV’s rail funding guideline. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ).
The world’s first battery train fast charging station
VOLTAP is a fast charging station for battery trains (BEMU – Battery Electric Multiple Unit), which was developed and built by the energy supply company Stadtwerke Tübingen GmbH (Germany) and the specialist company for overhead contact line systems Furrer+Frey AG (Switzerland). The system consists of the components transformer station and overhead contact line system. BEMU can be charged via its pantograph with alternating voltage 15 kV or 25 kV 50 Hz. This means that battery trains can also be charged away from electrified lines or in areas where electrification via overhead lines is not possible – for example at intermediate stops or in the sidings. A first prototype completed extensive charging tests with a battery train in Ammerbuch (Baden-Württemberg) in October 2021. The development was supported by TÜV Süd Rail.
The reactivation of the Heidekrautbahn railway
The reactivation of the main line of the Heidekrautbahn (RB27) between Berlin-Wilhelmsruh and Basdorf is progressing, albeit with delays. Originally, the resumption of operations was planned for the end of 2024, but due to unresolved noise and nature conservation issues, operations are now not expected to start until the end of 2025 or even 2026 at the earliest. We reported about the history of the Heidekrautbahn here.
The start of construction work on the Berlin-Wilhelmsruh regional train platform on 1 November 2024 is a significant step forward, marking the visible start of the project’s implementation phase. The construction work includes superstructure, civil engineering and underground cable construction measures, the construction of the platform and access ramp as well as landscaping compensation and replacement measures.
At the same time, the Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) is planning to use hydrogen trains on the Heidekrautbahn. From the 2024 timetable change, five hydrogen trains will initially go into operation on the route between Berlin-Karow, Rasdorf and Große Schöneberg, with the aim of gradually introducing the remaining battery-electric trains by the end of August 2025 and replacing the existing diesel vehicles.
The use of hydrogen vehicles on the Heidekrautbahn is part of a scientifically supported pilot joint project funded by the federal government and the states of Berlin and Brandenburg to develop a regional, sustainable hydrogen infrastructure. This enables emission-free local transport on the RB27 based on local renewable energies.
In order to produce the green hydrogen required locally in the region, energy producer ENERTRAG is building a hydrogen plant near the Heidekrautbahn railway. The electricity required for this will be generated 100% from wind and solar energy. With a hydrogen refuelling station on the NEB’s premises in Basdorf, Kreiswerke Barnim will create the infrastructural conditions to make the hydrogen available at the location where the energy is needed. Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn will procure the hydrogen vehicles and deploy them on the RB27 regional railway line.
The joint project was funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV) with around 25 million euros as part of the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology in May 2021. The funding programme is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ). The research partners BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) are providing scientific support for the project.
Problems with the supply of hydrogen
The planned conversion of the Heidekrautbahn to hydrogen trains has come to a standstill due to supply bottlenecks at the company Enertrag. According to a statement from the Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB) on Friday, the company is having difficulties providing enough hydrogen to refuel the RB27 trains.
The hydrogen-powered trains were supposed to have been running on the Heidekrautbahn (RB27) between Berlin-Karow, Basdorf and Groß Schönebeck (Barnim) since mid-December. However, after less than two weeks, they had to stop running again.
Mireo Plus H also in Bavaria
The Mireo Plus H, named ‘Freistaat Bayern’, will replace diesel trains at Bayrische Regiobahn (BRB) for two and a half years from Monday, 16 December 2024. Test operations will be launched in stages, starting with selected journeys on the Ostallgäu-Lechfeld network. Later, operations will be expanded and the train will then also be used on the Ammersee-Altmühltal network. Environmentally friendly, quiet and therefore an alternative to diesel propulsion, which is to be phased out in Bavarian regional transport by 2040.
The Mireo Plus H combines innovation with sustainability. The train is characterised by a long range of up to 1200 km, an H2 traction system with a high drive power of 1.7 MW for an acceleration of up to 1.1 m/s² and a top speed of 160 km/h. With state-of-the-art technology, the Mireo Plus H will set new standards in emission-free passenger transport. We are very pleased about the openness to new and innovative railway technology and that this climate-friendly and comfortable train will be available to passengers in Bavaria and Berlin-Brandenburg in the future.
New trains also for the Danube-Isar network
In December 2020, Deutsche Bahn ordered 25 Desiro HC trains and six Mireo trains for the Donau Isar network.
The six Mireo trains were delivered as a 4-part variant with 264 seats, including 14 seats in 1st class, for the Airport Express from Nuremberg via Regensburg to Munich. All trains are equipped with duplex sliding steps for different platform heights for passengers with reduced mobility. A lift for wheelchair users is also on board to enable passengers to board and alight at low platforms. A large number of luggage racks make it easier for passengers to stow their suitcases.
A Siemens-Mireo class ET 463 for the ‘Donau-Isar-Express’ of DB Regio Bayern I © Deutsche Bahn AG/ Uwe Miethe
Some of the 25 four-car Desiro HC vehicles have been in pre-carriage operation on the Danube-Isar network since August 2024. Encouraging customer feedback shows the high level of satisfaction with these double-decker trains. The trains are equipped with folding seat-free multi-purpose areas with innovative leaning aids for bicycles. Mobile phone-permeable high-frequency screens and free WLAN ensure seamless communication. Up to three Desiro HC trains can run coupled between Munich and Landshut for more flexibility and a comprehensive range of space.
A video of the Desiro HC trains for the Danube-Isar-Express is available here:
New Mireo trains for the Regensburg-Danube Valley network
In addition, 21 Mireo trains will be operating on the Regensburg-Donautal network from the timetable change on the RE line 50 Nuremberg – Regensburg – Plattling and
RB line 51 Neumarkt – Regensburg – Plattling for agilis at the start. These vehicles are also used as the airport express from Nuremberg to Munich. The high-performance trains offer more seats and modern equipment with WLAN and mobile phone-permeable windows. A total of 23 four-carriage Mireo trains will be delivered to the operator agilis.
04.01.2025
