DB and ITM Power Target Diesel-Free Rail

June 2, 2025

A new partnership between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and UK-based ITM Power aims to push green hydrogen into the heart of European rail transport. The two companies will work jointly to scale up hydrogen infrastructure and integrate zero-emission solutions across DB’s vast network.

With a fleet of over 1,300 diesel locomotives, DB has committed to hydrogen-powered alternatives by 2050. This latest collaboration brings ITM’s electrolyser technology into play, helping develop green hydrogen pathways, supply chains, and operational frameworks tailored for rail.

The move follows DB’s €40 million deal in 2023 with CaetanoBus for 60 hydrogen buses, underlining a broader commitment to decarbonising transport. ITM Power, already recognised for its green hydrogen capabilities, will share expertise and co-develop pilot programmes to test hydrogen integration in real-world scenarios.

While hydrogen-powered trains are already on track in parts of Europe, scaling them remains complex. Regional operators like EVB and RMV have faced setbacks from fuel supply issues and component reliability. Still, DB’s backing and ITM’s tech may accelerate breakthroughs.

This partnership coincides with another major win for ITM Power, which saw its shares jump 18% after securing a contract to supply over 300MW of electrolysers for a green hydrogen project in the Asia-Pacific region. The project, aimed at decarbonising power generation, reinforces ITM’s growing global influence in clean energy technology and positions it as a leader in delivering scalable hydrogen solutions.

As Europe leans into green transport to meet net-zero targets, such public-private alliances could become the blueprint for climate-forward infrastructure.

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