The project undertaken by WTZ Roßlau gGmbH focuses on advancing hydrogen‑powered internal combustion engines for rail applications, a key element of the TRAINS alliance’s goal to transform the Anhalt region into a technology hub. The research team optimized a dedicated test rig, enabling the integration of advanced exhaust‑analysis hardware, specialized development software, and a custom engine control unit (ECU). These upgrades allow real‑time monitoring of hydrogen combustion products—including NOx, CO, CO₂, HC, O₂, and trace species such as NH₃, HCHO, and N₂O—under realistic operating conditions. The enhanced rig also supports mixed‑fuel operation with methane and hydrogen, a critical capability for future rail propulsion systems.

Performance results are reflected in the project’s cost efficiency and resource allocation. The planned budget of €709,514 was largely realized, with actual expenditures amounting to €693,943.93. This leaves €15,570.07 unspent, and €12,456.06 (representing an 80 % funding rate) was returned to the funding body, PTJ. The project’s financial management freed €200,000 for additional investments in test‑rig automation, workshop equipment, and fuel‑periphery infrastructure, further expanding the laboratory’s capabilities. These investments directly support the development of hydrogen‑based motor conversion systems for rail vehicles, aligning with the core innovation field of the TRAINS alliance and reinforcing the research network’s capacity.

The technical achievements also extend to software development. The team created a dedicated hydrogen‑engine simulation environment that interfaces with the ECU and exhaust‑analysis modules, enabling rapid iteration of combustion strategies and emission control algorithms. This integrated platform allows researchers to validate computational models against experimental data, ensuring that theoretical gains translate into practical performance improvements. The combined hardware‑software system provides a robust testbed for evaluating new fuel blends, ignition timing, and exhaust aftertreatment concepts, all essential for meeting stringent rail emission regulations.

Collaboration underpins the project’s success. WTZ Roßlau gGmbH serves as the central technology driver within the TRAINS alliance, working closely with partner institutions such as the University of Anhalt and the WIR‑Bündnis H2‑Well network. The alliance’s overarching objective is to retrofit diesel‑powered locomotives with gas‑engine drives, thereby enhancing economic and environmental performance. The project, launched on 1 March 2021 under the name PEM4Heat, is funded through the WIR‑Bündnis H2‑Well program, which supports research into renewable hydrogen production and utilization. WTZ’s non‑profit status ensures that any surplus revenue is reinvested into core research activities, and the organization actively disseminates findings through conferences, public talks, and its website.

In addition to its scientific output, the project contributes to workforce development by providing internships, student projects, and supervision of theses. This educational component aligns with the organization’s mandate as a non‑profit research institute, fostering the next generation of engineers and scientists. Overall, the project delivers a comprehensive, high‑performance test environment for hydrogen engine research, strengthens regional innovation networks, and advances the practical deployment of clean rail propulsion technologies.