Progress and prospects for hydrogen trains in Russia
In a recent interview, Kirill Lipa, managing director of Transmashholding (TMH), indicated that the development of a hydrogen-fueled train in Russia remains in the very early stages. He emphasized that work on hydrogen-powered systems is just beginning and that progress is deliberate and measured.
Lipa also noted that the company is exploring a unified train platform designed to function as both a hydrogen carrier and a conventional, non-hydrogen carrier. The platform is intended to be versatile, capable of integrating multiple power sources to support a range of propulsion options. This approach reflects a broader industry trend toward flexible, multi-energy rail solutions that can adapt to evolving energy landscapes.
In January, a Rosatom Overseas representative, the Rosatom subsidiary responsible for international nuclear services, announced plans for passenger transport on Russia’s first hydrogen trains, with operations expected to begin in the final quarter of 2025. The spokesperson attributed the schedule shift to the technical and innovative aspects of the project, underscoring that hydrogen rail solutions require careful integration with existing railway infrastructure and safety protocols.
Russia’s national rail operator, Russian Railways, has characterized the introduction of hydrogen trains as a highly complex, science-intensive undertaking. The organization has highlighted that such advances not only demand advanced fuel-cell and storage technologies but also rigorous testing, standards development, and coordination across multiple stakeholders, including equipment manufacturers, energy providers, and regulatory bodies.
Earlier reporting suggested that hydrogen fuel cells could power certain segments of Russia’s railway network, signaling a potential path for incremental testing and gradual scale-up. Industry observers note that progress in hydrogen rail will likely hinge on continued collaboration among TMH, Rosatom, Russian Railways, and international partners, alongside supportive policies and funding for research, safety certification, and grid readiness. The ongoing dialogue among these players points to a cautious but persistent effort to explore hydrogen as a viable energy vector for rail transportation in Russia.