Siemens Mobility has secured Romania’s first hydrogen train contract, supplying 12 Mireo Plus H regional trainsets as part of a major move towards zero-emission rail transport.
The contract was awarded by the Romania Railway Reform Authority and includes delivery of the hydrogen-powered trains alongside full maintenance and repair services for an initial 15-year period. Passenger operations are expected to begin in 2029.
Hydrogen train fleet to support Romanian rail decarbonisation goals
The project is one of the first hydrogen rail programmes in Eastern Europe and forms part of wider efforts to modernise Romania’s regional passenger rail network while reducing emissions from diesel operations.
Andre Rodenbeck of Siemens Mobility said: “We are proud to deliver the first fleet of hydrogen trains for Romania.”
He added: “Hydrogen will play a key role in achieving climate-neutral mobility in Europe, and this project clearly demonstrates how innovation can be translated into reliable and economically attractive rail solutions.”
The Mireo Plus H trains use a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system combined with battery energy storage. Batteries are recharged through the fuel cell system and regenerative braking, enabling efficient energy use and zero local emissions during operation.
Siemens Mobility stated that the train design has been optimised to reduce weight, component complexity, energy consumption and maintenance requirements. The company also confirmed that all onboard systems have previously been validated in earlier projects.
The articulated two car trainsets will operate at speeds of up to 120 km/h and provide 131 fixed seats alongside five folding seats. The trains can also operate in multiple traction with two coupled units, allowing operational flexibility for future demand.
The fleet will be equipped with both PZB train protection and the European Train Control System, supporting compliance with European interoperability and safety standards.
Passenger information systems will include interior and exterior displays together with automated announcements designed to improve the customer experience.
Under the agreement, Siemens Mobility will also provide long term maintenance support through local facilities in Romania, including a dedicated depot in Bucharest. Digital maintenance systems using Railigent X technology will support fleet management and help maximise train availability.
The introduction of hydrogen rolling stock is expected to reduce emissions and noise across regional rail services while supporting Romania’s wider climate and sustainability objectives.
The project further strengthens the growing role of alternative traction technologies within European rail networks as operators seek cleaner and more efficient solutions for non-electrified routes.