Hydrogen

Hydrogen transport

From the ports to the hinterland by rail – throughout Europe: DB Cargo already offers a safe alternative to the hydrogen pipeline. +++ The lines show possible connections in the DB Cargo network +++

The advantages at a glance

Hydrogen transport by rail is the alternative to pipelines
DB Cargo offers an efficient and safe solution for the delivery of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives
Use of the existing rail network with 35,000 kilometres of track and over 2,100 interfaces, customer connections, terminals and inland ports
In future, 20 per cent of the hydrogen required can be transported on rail by DB Cargo
Wide range of solutions and technical innovations in the field of hydrogen transport

CO2e emissions

Example route
Wilhelmshaven – Burghausen

Rail

Road

_{The emission values were determined using the independent calculation tool EcoTransIT World.
EcoTransIT World's emissions calculation is compliant with ISO 14083.}

Green logistics for green hydrogen

Green hydrogen is considered to be the energy carrier of the future: it is produced by electrolysis using renewable energies. However, the hydrogen generated in this way cannot always be produced where it is needed. Solutions are therefore required for its logistics. The majority of green hydrogen will reach Germany by sea. Environmentally friendly rail transport, which unlike pipelines is already available today, is suitable for transporting hydrogen from the ports to its destinations.

Rail also has a decisive advantage over road transport: with 80 to 100 per cent less CO2e emissions, it is the significantly more sustainable mode of transport. DB Cargo is preparing to transport the equivalent of around 20 terawatt hours of green hydrogen by rail. This corresponds to around 20 per cent of the estimated demand for 2030.

Innovative transport solutions

To transport green hydrogen from the port to recipients in the hinterland, DB Cargo offers a highly efficient rail concept for chemical hydrogen carriers (e.g. ammonia or methanol). Hydrogen is imported by sea in such hydrogen carriers, as they enable more efficient transport over long distances. In this form, they can be transhipped into tank wagons at the port and transported onwards by rail freight. DB Cargo already has many years of expertise in this area, as it has been transporting ammonia and methanol for numerous years. When it reaches the consumer, for example chemical companies, it is broken down into its components again and used as a green energy source for production.

Together with its customers, DB Cargo is also developing new logistics solutions for the transport of pure hydrogen, drawing on years of experience with the transport of hazardous goods and gas. DB Cargo is currently involved in the development of innovative containers for hydrogen transport. Hydrogen can be transported in gaseous form in so-called multi-element gas containers or in liquid form in cryogenic containers. This is particularly advantageous for decentralised customers and users: it allows hydrogen filling stations to be served and consumers to refuel their hydrogen cars with the energy carrier.