HYDROGEN POWER FOR THE ZILLERTAL
The Zillertal 760mm-gauge line connecting Jenbach and Mayrhofen in Austria’s Tyrol region has decided to abandon plans for overhead electrification and instead to purchase up to eight new multiple-units powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The electrification plans had been objected to on aesthetic grounds by local residents in an area that largely depends on tourism.
Operator Zillertalbahn has tendered for five hydrogen-powered trains with options for three more. It also intends to convert a prototype hydrogen fuel cell powered train at its own workshops in Jenbach, using a former ÖBB Class 4090 Mariazellerbahn EMU obtained after new Mariazellerbahn operator NÖVOG bought new Stadler-built EMUs to replace its old fleet inherited from ÖBB.
