Groningen province in the Netherlands has decided to withdraw from the “hydrogen trains” project that has garnered great public interest. This decision was made after no manufacturers submitted bids in the bidding process initiated by the province and following new calculations by officials, which showed that hydrogen-powered trains are no longer more attractive compared to battery-electric (battery-powered) alternatives in terms of cost and feasibility.
Why Did Groningen Abandon the Hydrogen Dream?
Groningen had been approaching hydrogen technology step by step. In 2020, trials were conducted with Alstom’s Coradia iLint trains, and hydrogen traction for non-electrified lines was seen as a potential future standard. However, the expectations created by these tests were challenged by real-world commercial constraints:
Failed Tender (2022): The province announced a tender at the end of 2022 for four hydrogen trains worth 66 million euros. However, no manufacturers submitted bids. Companies pointed out that the design requirements would significantly increase costs for such a small order. The project was perceived as both expensive and commercially challenging.
Market Stagnation Despite Political Support: Although the Dutch national government allocated 15 million euros in 2023 to support hydrogen distribution and demonstrated political backing, suppliers avoided participating in the tender.
Following the unsuccessful process, comprehensive comparative analyses led officials to accept that the cost curve and practical considerations are now more favorable for battery-electric trains.
How Did Moving Beyond “Hydrogen” Open the Door to Battery Technology?
When state officials recalculated the figures, battery-electric trains emerged as a more practical and reasonable option.
New Decarbonization Strategy: Groningen and infrastructure manager ProRail now plan their decarbonization strategies around fast-charging battery units at station stops, rather than installing overhead lines along every kilometer of track.
Less Risk and Faster Delivery: Officials argue that battery-powered trains are more aligned with the province’s 2035 zero-emission goal, as they do not require large, risky orders or complex new fuel supply chains.
Fleet Modernization: The new battery-powered fleet is expected to replace the existing diesel Stadler GTW trains currently operating on non-electrified lines. This change will rapidly reduce local emissions and modernize operations in a single move.
Groningen relies on the support of the European Union and the Dutch central government to finance the transition. The pace of the financial package will be a key factor in how quickly the battery fleet is delivered and when the remaining diesel units will be retired.
