Together with its partners, Deutsche Bahn is developing and testing alternative propulsion technologies for the transport of tomorrow — for example, the use of "green" hydrogen.
Mobile refueling infrastructure
To test hydrogen supply for trains, DB Energie developed a solution including a mobile hydrogen refueling station. "Green" hydrogen is produced on-site using renewable electricity, stored in a mobile tank, and conditioned and cooled in an adjacent tank trailer before refueling. Communication between train and station allows pressure-controlled refueling tailored to the vehicle, ensuring optimal refueling time and rapid return to service.
Since late 2024, Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) has been operating a fuel cell train on the routes between Augsburg and Weilheim and between Augsburg and Füssen. On behalf of BRB, DB Energie operates the hydrogen infrastructure in Augsburg, consisting of a hydrogen refueling station and a mobile hydrogen storage trailer, and is responsible for procuring "green" hydrogen.
First stationary hydrogen refueling station for trains
Starting in December 2026, three Siemens Mireo Plus H hydrogen-powered trains will replace the diesel multiple units currently operating on the Mühldorf–Burghausen route. To ensure reliable operations, DB Energie is constructing a hydrogen refueling station at Mühldorf station, including an electrolyzer that will produce hydrogen directly on site using electricity from renewable sources. In regular operation, the facility will supply three trains with green hydrogen every day.
Hydrogen buses at DB Regio
In North Frisia around Niebüll and Husum DB subsidiary Autokraft operates seven hydrogen fuel cell buses in a pilot project, called “eFarm.” The buses, from Portuguese manufacturer CaetanoBus, have a range of up to 400 kilometers and are refueled with "green" hydrogen produced from excess wind power at public stations.
In Friesland county, five hydrogen buses also bring travelers to their destination. DB subsidiary Weser-Ems-Bus manages procurement, operation, and maintenance. Refueling occurs at a hydrogen station in Schortens.
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