Saudi Railways prepares for trials on region’s first hydrogen train

Logo of Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR)

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) signed an agreement with the French company Alstom to carry out in October hydrogen train trials—the first for Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. 

The initiative aims to conduct the necessary operational experiments and studies and kit out this type of train to suit the Kingdom's environment and atmosphere, ahead of launch for passenger transport trial operations, SAR said on its account on X Platform. 

The step comes within the commitment of the transport and logistics system in achieving the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), as part of efforts to transform into a more sustainable transport system by improving the quality of life and protecting future generations by using clean energy sources. The move is also part of initiatives related to reducing carbon emissions to protect the environment. 

SAR indicated that the hydrogen train is one of the most important modern innovations in the field of sustainable transport, by generating the energy necessary to operate and move trains without any carbon emissions. The train enjoys a range of benefits making it an attractive choice for sustainable energy, in addition to its characteristics that positively impact the environment, the economy and the future of next generations. 

The railway authority also pointed out that the approved trials for this type of trains began in 2018 in Germany and continued until 2020, while commercial operation began on a limited basis to transport passengers in 2022.