Brandenburg Invests Millions in Hydrogen Infrastructure for Heidekrautbahn Expansion

The state of Brandenburg is allocating additional funds to enhance the hydrogen infrastructure associated with the Heidekrautbahn railway. According to a statement from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, an additional EUR2.3 million will be injected into the project. This funding comes as a response to rising costs driven by global crises and supply chain disruptions.

The Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) has transitioned its trains on the Heidekrautbahn line to hydrogen-powered fuel cell trains, marking a significant step toward sustainable transportation. In addition to the railway upgrades, the Barnim district aims to gradually convert buses and waste collection vehicles to hydrogen fuel. This initiative necessitates the continued development of a refueling infrastructure.

The total investment required for the hydrogen conversion is estimated to be around EUR116 million. Sven Tombrink, a representative from NEB, emphasized the importance of the expanded funding for establishing the necessary operational conditions for the hydrogen trains. Particularly, the renovation of the operational site in Basdorf is crucial for the maintenance and servicing of the new hydrogen vehicles.

The Heidekrautbahn was severed by the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, and its reactivation is part of the i2030 investment program aimed at enhancing rail infrastructure in the capital region. Plans are underway for the Heidekrautbahn to connect from Wilhelmsruh station to Gesundbrunnen station. Initially, it was targeted for trains to resume service on this route in 2023.