Ballard to supply fuel cells for Talgo's hydrogen train trials in Spain

Canada’s Ballard Power Systems Inc (TSE:BLDP) said Tuesday that it has secured an agreement to supply eight 70-kW fuel cell modules to Spanish train manufacturer Talgo SA (BME:TLGO) to use them in trials of hydrogen-powered trains.

Talgo will begin demonstration trials of its Talgo Vittal-One commuter and regional passenger train early next year, while commercialisation is expected to take place in 2023.

The Spanish company is designing a modular system for installation on all types of passenger trains and for upgrades or retrofits from diesel to hydrogen power. With the system, hydrogen and fuel cells are used for propulsion, while batteries assist the train from a standing start and recharge using the braking system.

Ballard offers zero-emission polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells used in the electrification of buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, passenger cars and forklift trucks.

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