Article: Bremen leads the way: hydrogen as the fuel of the future
A new test centre for hydrogen combustion engines in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute is set to revolutionise mobility. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed and promotes the development of climate-friendly technologies. Sebastian Herzog, Manager of Bremen Maintenance depot, gives an insight into the benefits and aims of the project.
The future of mobility is green. More and more Deutsche Bahn trains and locomotives are being powered by electricity, new drive concepts or new, climate-friendly fuels. Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research (IFAM), a test centre for the conversion and testing of hydrogen combustion engines is now to be set up at the DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung maintenance depot in Bremen. DB and the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen have now laid down the framework for this and for the further development of the plant as a whole in a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’.
Bremen maintenance depot as a beacon for low- CO2 engine conversion
The initial aim is to research how current combustion engines can be converted to run on hydrogen and how these modified engines can be tested. The declaration signed by Bremen's Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte, Senator for Construction, Mobility and Urban Development Özlem Ünsal, State Councillor for Economic Affairs Maike Frese, DB Board Member for Digitalisation and Technology Daniela Gerd tom Markotten, Managing Director Production at DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung Nico Petersen and Ronald Ditte as a representative of the employees at the maintenance depot in Bremen states that Bremen should become a ‘beacon for low-CO2 engine conversion’. They are thus continuing previous agreements to strengthen and secure the future of the DB maintenance depot in Bremen.
Within the DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung network, the Bremen maintenance depot is the competence centre for the maintenance and overhaul of diesel engines and drive systems (Powerpacks). There has been close cooperation with the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen since 2018. It forms the framework for investments of around six million euros that have already been made and are still planned - including the construction of a new transshipment hall, the modernisation of a test cell for drive systems and the renewal of the engine washing facility.
Together, DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung and the state of Bremen want to continue on the path towards sustainability and climate neutrality. The collaboration will result in a site development plan for the Bremen maintenance depot, which will go hand in hand with the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen's 2038 climate protection strategy. Alternative drive systems and sustainability are to be core topics.
Alternative drives and sustainability - Three questions for the manager of Bremen Maintenance depot
Sebastian Herzog, Manager at the Bremen maintenance depot, emphasises how important it is in terms of sustainability to maintain and optimise older machines and components instead of replacing them. This sustainable way of thinking fits in perfectly with the current endeavours at the Bremen maintenance depot to promote alternative drive technologies and look for ways to power diesel engines with hydrogen instead of diesel. For him, the work is more than just a job: it is a mission to help shape the future of mobility and contribute to climate neutrality through innovative solutions.
Why is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) important for the hydrogen project in Bremen?
Sebastian Herzog: The Memorandum of Understanding is of great importance as it strengthens the cooperation between the City of Bremen, IFAM and our maintenance depot. The focus is on the development and promotion of sustainable and alternative drive technologies, particularly in the field of hydrogen. Our city and the participating institutes form a strong network that allows us to develop environmentally friendly solutions. With a common denominator and a clear objective, we are creating a solid basis for the successful realisation of future projects. On the basis of this MoU, we can pool the expertise and resources of all those involved and use them efficiently to achieve the ambitious climate targets by 2040.
Why is the MoU being signed now?
Sebastian Herzog: We first committed to working with the city of Bremen in 2018, and in 2021 we focused our collaboration on the digitalisation of our production and sustainable drive technologies. Now, our involvement in research into climate neutrality is to become even more concrete - so now is the perfect time to renew and further intensify our collaboration. At a time when the shift towards sustainable technologies is accelerating worldwide, it is essential to consolidate partnerships at an early stage and expand existing networks. By signing the new MoU, we are strengthening our strategic alliances and creating the conditions to achieve the necessary technological advances. The timing also fits perfectly with DB's long-term goals and those of our other customers, particularly with regard to reducing CO2 emissions and promoting climate neutrality. By taking action now and intensifying co-operation, we are ensuring that we as a maintenance depot are well prepared for future requirements and can take a leading role in the field of alternative drive technologies.
What are the advantages of the hydrogen project for your maintenance depot?
Sebastian Herzog: Our maintenance depot in Bremen has extensive experience and expertise in the field of combustion engines. By focussing specifically on alternative fuels such as hydrogen, we can expand our technological know-how and at the same time make a significant contribution to reducing C O2 emissions. The hydrogen test bench, which is to be built in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute, will enable us to carry out long-term tests and technological developments. This is a crucial step in finding out how we can convert and optimise existing diesel engines to run on hydrogen.
The test bench will allow us to collect comprehensive data and findings on our products under load, which can be crucial for the technically flawless conversion of diesel engines to hydrogen. Such projects enable us to offer our customers technically reliable and sustainable solutions. In addition, co-operation with renowned partners such as IFAM ensures that we are always at the cutting edge of technology and can benefit from the latest scientific and technological findings. This strengthens our ability to make a significant contribution to climate neutrality.
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