Siemens Mobility Wins Romania's First Hydrogen Train Order for 12 Mireo Plus H

Romania's Railway Reform Authority (ARF) has awarded Siemens Mobility a contract to supply 12 Mireo Plus H hydrogen multiple-units, marking the country's first procurement of fuel cell-powered trains. The units will enter service in spring 2029 under a deal that includes long-term maintenance.

This procurement represents Romania's strategic entry into alternative fuel rail technology as European operators accelerate decarbonisation programmes. The Mireo Plus H combines hydrogen fuel cells with battery storage, offering zero-emission operation on non-electrified routes without requiring catenary infrastructure investment. Romania joins Germany, Italy and Austria in deploying hydrogen trains commercially.

Siemens' Mireo Plus H features an electric traction system powered by hydrogen fuel cells and onboard batteries that recharge during operation. The units can operate for up to 800km on a single hydrogen fill, making them suitable for regional services on Romania's extensive non-electrified network. ARF selected the technology to serve routes where electrification costs would exceed fuel cell train economics.

The Romanian order follows Siemens' hydrogen train deployments across Europe, including 14 units for Südostbayernbahn in Germany and orders in Italy's Alto Adige region. ARF's decision reflects broader European Union pressure to eliminate diesel traction by 2035, with hydrogen trains emerging as the primary alternative for non-electrified regional routes exceeding battery-electric train range capabilities.