OPmobility to equip Stadler's first hydrogen trains in Europe

Paris 

July 18, 2024 

OPmobility to equip 

Stadler's first hydrogen trains in Europe

© Stadler

OPmobility has been awarded a major contract by Stadler, one of the largest rail vehicle manufacturers in the world, to equip hydrogen-powered regional trains in Italy. The Group will supply high-pressure hydrogen storage systems as well as 150-kW fuel cell systems for the first time, with deliveries scheduled up to late 2025.

OPmobility will develop and manufacture high-pressure 350-bar hydrogen storage systems (eight systems per train, providing around 185 kg of on-board hydrogen) and high-power 150-kW fuel cell systems (four systems per train). 

These systems, which incorporate NM12 Twin fuel cell stacks developed by the EKPO¹ joint venture, take hydrogen and oxygen from the air to instantly generate electricity used to power electric motors. These compact systems, with their optimized design, deliver high durability and can withstand intensive use. 

OPmobility will initially equip 15 hydrogen-powered trains and expects to ramp up deliveries over the coming years. With their long range and short refueling time, hydrogen-powered trains offer an ideal solution for decarbonizing rail mobility. Able to operate on all types of electrified or nonelectrified routes without the need for major infrastructure investment, they represent a major opportunity for growth at a time when a large part of global rail networks remain non-electrified (around 28% in China, 40% in Europe and 95% in the United States).

Laurent Favre, Chief Executive Officer of OPmobility, says: "This new contract reinforces OPmobility’s position as world leader in hydrogen mobility, capable of offering a complete range of technological solutions from storage systems to energy generation. The contract also confirms our conviction that hydrogen is an ideal solution for decarbonizing heavy mobility. It is by joining forces, as we are with Stadler, that we will be able to promote the rapid rise of hydrogen in rail mobility and ensure it plays its full role in the energy transition.” 

(1) EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH is an OPmobility and ElringKlinger joint venture that supplies fuel cell stacks and bipolar plates for a broad range of applications.

With an order book worth almost €4 billion, a presence across the entire value chain, and industrial capacity in Europe, North America and Asia, OPmobility is positioned as a major player in the hydrogen sector. The Group’s 2030 market share targets are 25% for hydrogen storage, 10% for EKPO fuel cell stacks, and 10% for fuel cell systems.

About OPmobility

OPmobility (formerly Plastic Omnium) is a world leader in sustainable mobility and a worldwide technology partner to actors from every mobility sector. Innovation-driven since its foundation in 1946, OPmobility has five complementary Business Groups offering its customers a wide range of solutions: intelligent exterior systems, customized complex modules, lighting systems, energy storage systems, and battery and hydrogen electrification solutions. OPmobility’s customers also benefit from OP’nSoft, its inhouse software development specialist. 

With €11.4 billion economic revenue in 2023 and an international footprint of 152 plants and 40 R&D centers, OPmobility relies on its 40,300 employees to meet the challenges of making mobility more sustainable. 

OPmobility is listed on Euronext Paris, compartment A. It is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD) and is part of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices (ISIN code: F FR0000124570). www.opmobility.com