Alstom , along with Infraserv Höchst, has announced the start of construction work on a hydrogen filling station in Industriepark Höchst in Germany.

The €500m project received funding from the Hesse state and the federal government.

Said to be the first hydrogen filling station for passenger trains in Hesse, it will supply hydrogen to the world’s largest fuel cell train fleet for passenger traffic from December 2022.

Alstom noted that the company will supply 27 fuel cell trains that will be used by German regional transport group Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV).

In 2022, pollutant-free fuel cell trains will replace the old diesel vehicles.

The fuel cells on these trains will convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity to provide low-noise propulsion that only emits water vapour and condensation.

Infraserv Höchst, which operates the 4.6km² industrial park, is building and operating the hydrogen filling station.

Alstom Germany and Austria managing director Dr Jörg Nikutta said: “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony heralds a new era in emission-free rail traffic in the Rhine-Main region. We are delighted that Infraserv will take over the refuelling of our series trains for RMV.”

The company’s Coradia iLint fuel cell trains are capable of travelling an entire day on RMV’s network.

Infraserv Höchst has been active in hydrogen and fuel cell technology for several years, launching the first hydrogen filling station for cars into operation in 2006.

Infraserv Höchst managing director Dr Joachim Kreysing said: “We are very proud that Infraserv Höchst and Industriepark Höchst can contribute to the further development of this technology of the future.

“Even the pressing questions about energy supply and mobility concepts of the future can only be answered by the chemical industry.”