The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est and Occitanie regions have signed the very first order for dual-mode electric-hydrogen trains in France, marking an ‘historic step’ in rail transport’s reduction in CO₂ emissions.

Acting on behalf of the four regions, SNCF Voyageurs placed the order with Alstom for 12 dual-mode trains (plus two optional trains). The contract is worth a total of almost 190 million euros.

A first in France, this contract will work towards the energy transition goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution, an ambition supported by the French government through its Hydrogen Plan launched in June 2018.

It is fully in line with the ‘PLANETER’ programme to reduce the environmental impact of SNCF Voyageurs’ ‘regional mobility solutions’. Other French regions have already expressed their interest in participating in a second phase of the project.

This official French order for hydrogen-powered trains is the result of two years of joint efforts by the project’s various stakeholders. The dual mode electric-hydrogen Coradia Polyvalent train meets the requirements of France’s diverse rail network and can travel up to 600km on sections of non-electrified railway.

This four-carriage 72m-long train has a total capacity of 218 seats and the same dynamic performance and level of comfort as the dual mode electric-diesel version.

Almost 400 dual mode electric-thermal and full-electric Coradia Polyvalent trains have been ordered by French regions since 2011. The development and manufacture of Coradia Polyvalent trains has secured over 2,000 jobs in France for Alstom and its suppliers. Six of Alstom’s 15 sites in France are involved in the project.

Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, Minister Delegate for Transport, said: “France has everything it needs to become a hydrogen champion, and the French government is fully committed to turning this ambition into reality.

“We will be covering 47 million euros of development costs for France’s first regional hydrogen-powered train. I am delighted that this support has enabled the four partner regions to confirm their order for the first 14 trains.”