Villablino takes a step forward in sustainable mobility with the official presentation of an internal combustion engine adapted for the use of green hydrogen. The project, dubbed Hycerail, serves as a benchmark for testing the viability of green hydrogen as a clean alternative to diesel in rail transport. Behind this initiative are the Institute for a Just Transition (ITJ) and the City of Energy Foundation (CIUDEN), both organizations linked to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.
The arrival of this 200-kilowatt motor For Villablino, this represents not only a demonstration of progress in clean technologies, but also an opportunity to modernize and breathe new life into the historic Ponfeblino Railway. This railcar, which dates back to the 60s, is being refurbished by the Sil Valley Railway Company and will become a pioneer in replacing the previous Pegaso diesel engine with one powered by green hydrogen.
A pioneering project in railway decarbonization
The engine will be integrated into the vehicle to which it will be coupled. six green hydrogen tanks of 50 liters each, stored at high pressure (about 350 bars), allowing a approximate autonomy of two and a half trips between Villablino and Cubillos del Sil. In addition, the configuration will be prepared to transport approximately 30 people in the vehicle itself and about 40 more in a remodeled wagon that will be attached, adding up to 70 passengers per tripThe infrastructure, linked to the historic railway line, will initially be used for tourism and recreational purposes, although its use for other rail services is being considered.
The first operational tests are planned for the end of the year, when the train will initially run on an 11-kilometer section of track between Villablino and Compostilla. This route will be key to observing the actual behavior of the system, fuel consumption, and the efficiency of hydrogen propulsion in environments where electrification is difficult. If the experience is satisfactory, This could pave the way for the expansion of this type of engine to other lines managed by the Narrow Gauge Railway Network (FEVE). and even in freight transport operations in ports.
Innovation, public-private collaboration and circular economy
With the 2,5 million Euros in funding On the part of the ITJ, the Hycerail project represents not only a boost to innovation, but also a commitment to collaboration between public and private entitiesIn addition to CIUDEN and the ITJ, other stakeholders include Progener (the EMENASA group), which is responsible for manufacturing the engine, and local governments such as the León Provincial Council, the Bierzo Regional Council, and Villablino City Council.
The director of the ITJ, Judit Carreras, has highlighted the commitment to promoting clean energy alternatives and the creation of synergies for the circular economy, positioning Villablino as an example of reconversion for areas undergoing just transition following the closure of mining operations. Furthermore, he emphasized that since 2019, aid worth €400 million has been mobilized and more than 500 jobs have been created in future technologies.
Technical challenges and expectations for green hydrogen
The development of this green hydrogen internal combustion engine involves facing certain technical challenges, such as fuel consumption optimization, safe integration of high-pressure tanks, and efficient performance under real-life traffic conditions. Operation at moderate speeds, typical of tourist and historical use of the Ponfeblino, will allow for a detailed analysis of the potential of this technology, especially in scenarios where electrification of the track is unfeasible. For more information on the challenges of the green hydrogen, you can consult this article.
Both Yasodhara López, director of CIUDEN, and Carreras have pointed out the importance of These tests serve as a reference for future applications, since 33% of rail transport in Spain is currently not electrifiable. The goal is to demonstrate that green hydrogen mobility can be a useful option for various railway lines and freight transport in ports.
