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Alstom pauses hydrogen train development
**Alstom has paused further development of its hydrogen-powered trains after the French Government withdrew financial support, a move that also blocks access to matching EU funding under the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) framework. While research activity under the IPCEI programme is on hold, the manufacturer emphasises that its wider hydrogen commitments and existing customer orders in Europe will continue.**
Coradia iLint
The company confirmed the suspension following internal communications reported by industry media and an interview given by CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge to BFM Business, in which he stated that hydrogen technology is “not yet mature.” According to Alstom, the IPCEI-funded prototype fuel-cell system has been completed, and discussions with the French state are ongoing.
“Alstom is engaged in regular and responsible dialogue with the French government with a view to identifying solutions to ensure the sustainability of the group’s activities and the ‘made in France’ hydrogen sector,” a company representative said. The manufacturer added that it remains committed to delivering and supporting all hydrogen train orders currently placed in France, Italy and Germany.
In France, 12 Régiolis hydrogen units have been ordered by the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Occitanie, Grand Est and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions. The Coradia Stream H has also been selected for services in Italy, where FNM holds a framework agreement for up to 14 trains. Research staff involved in hydrogen development have been reassigned to other projects as part of the transition.
### Operational challenges across Europe
Alstom launched the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell passenger train, the **Coradia iLint** , in Germany in 2022. The model has since operated or been tested in several countries, including France, where it was showcased during demonstration tours. However, the train never entered trial service there.
The iLint’s flagship deployment in Lower Saxony has faced significant setbacks. EVB, which replaced 15 diesel railcars with 14 hydrogen units, was forced to revert to diesel operations after hydrogen delivery issues emerged. Further disruption occurred in August 2025 when replacement fuel-cell modules failed to arrive, leaving only four of the 14 units in service.
Hydrogen deployments have also encountered difficulties elsewhere. In Germany, RMV withdrew its fleet of 18 iLints following repeated technical issues with the fuel-cell systems. Siemens Mobility has faced similar challenges with hydrogen resupply with its Mireo Plus H units ordered by Bavaria and Berlin-Brandenburg.
Despite this, hydrogen developments continue internationally. Stadler introduced its first **Flirt H2 in southern California** in September and has secured subsequent orders from operators in California, Austria and Italy.
### Funding questions and reduced momentum
Hydrogen has been promoted as a zero-emissions replacement for diesel traction on non-electrified routes, supported since 2022 by EUR 5 billion in EU research funding. Under the IPCEI rules, however, national co-financing is mandatory. France’s withdrawal therefore blocks the associated EU contribution to Alstom.
A spokesperson for the company reiterated that despite the pause in R&D activity, contractual obligations remain unchanged. “Alstom is committed to its current hydrogen train customers in three European countries daily and will honour its contractual commitments for delivery, maintenance, and operational support.”
In Central Europe, Alstom previously sought to promote hydrogen units as an alternative for regional diesel services, including in the Czech Republic. However, the manufacturer was unable to secure a sufficient coalition of transport authorities to justify a dedicated development programme. Demonstration runs took place in 2022 when a Coradia iLint toured several Czech cities.
### What’s next for hydrogen
The suspension of IPCEI-related hydrogen development marks a significant shift for one of Europe’s most prominent promoters of fuel-cell rail technology. It also reflects wider uncertainty about the readiness of hydrogen for large-scale rail operations, following technical challenges and growing competition from battery-electric and hybrid solutions.
While current orders will proceed, Alstom’s pause underscores the sector’s dependence on public funding and the need for long-term policy certainty. The company continues to engage with French authorities as it assesses future steps for hydrogen traction within its portfolio.
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