Demikhovsky Machine-Building Plant (DMZ, part of the Transmashholding structure) has begun the final stage of production of the first domestic hydrogen train. A delegation from the government of the Sakhalin Region, the region selected for the pilot operation of the rolling stock as part of the formation of the island hydrogen cluster, familiarized themselves with the progress of work at the production site.
Officials were shown the DMZ workshops and the bodies of the first cars of the future three-section train. According to the company, the assembly of prototypes is scheduled for the second half of 2026. After that, the trains will be sent for comprehensive testing, and certification of the rolling stock is planned for 2027.
The novelty will be the first locomotive in the history of "Space 1520" with a hydrogen power plant and a low-floor body design, which will provide unhindered access for low-mobility passenger groups. The production process is organized according to a cooperative scheme: Tver Carriage Works (TVZ) manufactures the basic elements of the cars, and final assembly, system integration and debugging are carried out at the Demikhovsky enterprise.
The power plant is being developed by the St. Petersburg plant "Elektropult". It will include four fuel cells with a total capacity of 440 kW (110 kW each), a cryogenic hydrogen storage system, lithium-ion batteries and a power converter. The entire power system is located in a special booster car, separated from the passenger sections. The estimated range of the train is up to 725 km when operating on hydrogen fuel cells and an additional 80 km due to the energy stored in the batteries.