China debuted its first hydrogen-powered intelligent intercity train, CINOVA H2, at InnoTrans 2024, a leading international trade fair for transport technology, held in Berlin on Tuesday.

Developed by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co Ltd, a Shandong province-based subsidiary of China Railway Rolling Stock Corp, the groundbreaking train runs on hydrogen power, achieving zero carbon emissions throughout its journey. It offers faster speeds, higher passenger capacity and an extended range, providing a new green solution for nonelectrified railway passenger transport.

Hydrogen energy, widely considered one of the most promising clean energies of the 21st century, is a key focus in the green transformation of railway technology.

Liang Caiguo, a senior designer at CRRC Qingdao Sifang, said CINOVA H2 uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity via an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The four-car train is equipped with high-power fuel cells capable of producing up to 960 kilowatts, enabling sustained speeds of 160 kilometers per hour and a top speed of 200 km/h.

"The train boasts an ultra-long range of 1,200 kilometers at a cruising speed of 160 km/h, with full refueling taking just 15 minutes," said Liang, adding that with its lightweight design and integrated saloon, CINOVA H2 can carry over 1,000 passengers, adding to its appeal as a high-capacity, eco-friendly transport solution.

As a pioneering piece of green rail technology, CINOVA H2 is an "environmental champion". Liang said that the hydrogen fuel cells produce only water as a byproduct, resulting in zero carbon emissions and no air pollutants throughout the entire journey.

CRRC Qingdao Sifang estimates that each train, if operating 300,000 km annually, can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 730 metric tons per year, equivalent to 37.8 hectares of forests.

Moreover, the new train employs innovative recycling technology to turn wastewater and waste heat into resources.

Liang said that the water emitted from the hydrogen fuel cell reaction is purified and recycled to meet the onboard water needs for passenger services, thus effectively saving water. The waste heat from the cooling of the hydrogen fuel cells is recycled for heating during the winter, making it even greener and more environmentally friendly.

CRRC Qingdao Sifang said the train's energy consumption is very low, consuming less than 0.3 grams of hydrogen per passenger kilometer at a speed of 160 km/h when fully loaded.

Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it is also highly intelligent. The train is equipped with an advanced Smart Care integrated intelligent operation and maintenance platform that enables intelligent fault diagnostics and maintenance decision-making functionality, enhancing operational reliability and reducing vehicle maintenance costs, said the company.

It said passengers can enjoy advanced intelligent amenities such as hearing assistance systems, variable transmittance curtains, smart interactive windows, digital interactive screens and onboard Wi-Fi to create a more high-tech and intelligent travel experience.

The hydrogen system of the train has undergone stringent safety tests in various scenarios and working conditions, with multiple safety protection systems, including intelligent detection and isolation protection, thus ensuring safety.

Wang Xueliang, deputy director of the technology center of CRRC Qingdao Sifang, said: "CINOVA H2 can be used in nonelectrified railway areas, replacing traditional diesel-powered alternatives. It effectively reduces carbon dioxide and other air pollutant emissions, showcasing significant environmental benefits, and will strongly promote a new green upgrade for passenger transport equipment on nonelectrified railways."