"During this week, circulation tests are being carried out on the Minho Line with a hydrogen-powered train", an official source from Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) confirmed to Lusa.

According to the same source, the tests "are promoted within the scope of the European project FCH2RAIL, which aims to develop a prototype railway vehicle powered by hydrogen, with financing from European funds through the H2020 - CLEANH2 program".

"The project covers the design and construction of an innovative prototype vehicle and carrying out the tests necessary for its validation and approval", according to IP.

According to the national railway manager, "the objective is to achieve a vehicle with zero emissions and operational performance competitive with current diesel-powered trains, both in new and rehabilitated vehicles".

IP is part of the consortium of companies from four European countries (Spain, Belgium, Germany, and Portugal) led by DLR and which includes CAF, Renfe, Toyota Motor Europe, Adif, CNH2, and Stemann.