Talgo is leading an endeavor in partnership with 10 Spanish companies and organizations to develop the world’s first hydrogen-powered high-speed train. The Hympulso project will be based on the existing Talgo 250 bi-mode, with the addition of a new hybrid power car, combining hydrogen fuel cells and batteries.
Talgo first launched the project in 2020 using a grant of $7.1 million from the Incentive Program for the Innovative Value Chain and Knowledge of Renewable Hydrogen, part of Spain’s national Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
The timetable for the manufacture and launch of the hydrogen train was made available in 2023. The train was given the name Talgo Vittal-One as a reference to hydrogen being the first element on the periodic table. The details were presented during the event "Renewable hydrogen: an opportunity for Spain", organised by the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic challenge.
The first phase of the validation tests of the hydrogen technology were conducted in 2021 and the hydrogen technology was installed in the new train during a second manufacturing phase that took place between 2021 and 2023.
"Green hydrogen is no longer the future, it is a reality," said Talgo CEO José María Oriol. "The implementation of hydrogen trains, such as the one Talgo is developing, will improve mobility in our country and have a positive impact on the environment. It will allow us to make the most of the non-electrified Spanish railways while reducing our carbon footprint".
The system is configured as a modular solution that can be installed on all types of trains, as well as in upgrades from diesel to hydrogen. However, it has been specifically designed for the Vittal platform for Commuter and Regional trains, which Talgo has presented in the bidding process for various tenders in Spain and other countries.
The existing Talgo 250 design will be modified so one of the two diesel-electric propulsion vehicles located at the end of each train will be replaced by a new one that combines battery and hydrogen technology.
