BERLIN – As the global transport sector faces the dual pressure of achieving ambitious decarbonization targets and managing aging or insufficient electrical infrastructure, Croatian technology powerhouse ALTPRO has emerged as a key innovator. At InnoTrans 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology in Berlin, ALTPRO officially unveiled the Hydrogen Repowering Management System (HERMES)—a modular, high-power platform designed to liberate electric traction from the constraints of the overhead catenary.
HERMES represents a paradigm shift in how energy is deployed in the field. By generating and managing electrical power from hydrogen, the system allows electric locomotives and heavy industrial machinery to operate in non-electrified zones, effectively “repowering” the landscape without the need for multi-billion-euro investments in new railway electrification or power grid expansion.
The Core Concept: Decarbonization Without Infrastructure Burdens
The fundamental challenge facing the modern railway sector is a geographic disparity in infrastructure. While Europe has pushed for the electrification of its rail corridors to reduce reliance on diesel, progress has been uneven. In Croatia, roughly 40% of the rail network is electrified, while the European average sits at approximately 57%. This leaves nearly half of the continent’s rail traffic dependent on fossil fuels or trapped in a cycle of complex, multi-system locomotive requirements that increase operational costs and maintenance complexity.
HERMES serves as a bridge across this divide. Rather than requiring the physical installation of electrical catenaries or substations, HERMES acts as a mobile hydrogen power plant. When integrated with existing electric rolling stock, it allows operators to traverse non-electrified “last-mile” routes or bypass incompatible voltage standards, providing the smooth, efficient performance of electric traction wherever it is needed.
Chronology: From Rail Safety to Energy Innovation
ALTPRO’s journey toward HERMES is deeply rooted in its 30-year history of engineering excellence. Since its founding, the company has specialized in sophisticated signalling systems and railway safety solutions.
- 1990s–2010s: ALTPRO establishes itself as a global player, providing SIL 4 certified safety systems for rail infrastructure across 55 countries and six continents.
- Early 2020s: Recognizing the impending energy transition, ALTPRO shifts its R&D focus toward sustainable propulsion and power management, aligning with the European Union’s “Green Deal” and the specific goals of the National Hydrogen Strategy of Croatia.
- 2024–2025: The development phase of the HERMES prototype gains momentum, supported by EU funding, focusing on the core challenge of modular hydrogen-to-electricity conversion.
- September 2026: Official global premiere at InnoTrans 2026, marking the transition from a niche railway safety provider to a multi-sectoral energy technology firm.
Supporting Data: Why Hydrogen?
The economic and operational arguments for the HERMES system are rooted in the limitations of current electrical grids. As the demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging, industrial automation, and decentralized data centers grows, existing grid capacity is often pushed to the breaking point.
The Railway Infrastructure Gap
The reliance on diesel locomotives on non-electrified routes is not merely an environmental concern; it is an economic bottleneck. Retrofitting rural or secondary railway lines with overhead electrification is often cost-prohibitive. HERMES circumvents this by providing a "plug-and-play" energy source that can be carried on-board or transported via rail-freight flatcars, allowing operators to maintain their electric fleet even on routes that have historically necessitated diesel alternatives.
Industrial Versatility
Beyond the tracks, the HERMES system’s high-power output makes it a candidate for a variety of critical industrial applications:
- Remote Construction and Mining: Providing silent, zero-emission power in areas where fuel delivery for generators is costly and environmental impact is heavily regulated.
- Emergency Infrastructure: Acting as a mobile, rapid-response power source for hospitals or data centers during grid failures.
- Peak-Demand EV Charging: The "mobile energy center" concept allows HERMES units to be deployed in tourist-heavy regions, such as the Adriatic islands or remote transport corridors, where the existing local grid is insufficient to support the surge in fast-charging demand during peak seasons.
Official Perspectives: The Vision Behind the Tech
For the leadership at ALTPRO, HERMES is not just a product; it is a manifestation of the company’s evolution. Tin Viduka, a member of the Board at ALTPRO, emphasized that the genesis of the project was purely pragmatic.
“HERMES was born out of a specific challenge facing the railway sector: how to enable the benefits of electric traction on routes where conventional electrification is not available or is not economically viable,” Viduka explained during the Berlin unveiling. “We developed a system that addresses this challenge by using hydrogen, while at the same time recognizing its potential beyond railways, in energy, industry, and critical infrastructure. We believe that connecting hydrogen, mobility, and energy opens up opportunities for new, flexible energy solutions.”
The project has also received significant backing from the Croatian government’s push for green hydrogen integration. By aligning with the National Hydrogen Strategy, ALTPRO has demonstrated that Croatia can be an exporter of high-tech engineering rather than just a consumer of foreign-made sustainable technologies.
Implications for the Global Market
The implications of the HERMES launch are broad, affecting both public policy and private sector strategy.
Transforming Mobility
The ability to utilize existing electric locomotives in non-electrified territories effectively de-risks the investment for railway operators. Instead of retiring functional electric rolling stock or investing in costly, dual-mode (electric-diesel) trains, operators can leverage the HERMES platform to extend the range and flexibility of their current assets. This reduces the carbon footprint of freight transport—a sector historically difficult to decarbonize—without requiring a total overhaul of the rail network.
Strengthening Energy Security
The decentralization of power generation is a pillar of modern energy security. By utilizing green hydrogen, HERMES creates a localized, independent power source that is not dependent on the stability of the national grid. This is particularly vital for critical infrastructure, where the ability to maintain operations during grid instability is paramount.
A Catalyst for Green Industry
The success of HERMES at InnoTrans signals a shift in the global industrial outlook. As manufacturers look to move away from diesel-powered generators, the modular nature of the HERMES system offers a scalable solution. Whether for powering a temporary construction site in the Alps or providing rapid-charging for electric bus fleets in a remote coastal town, the system provides a glimpse into a future where energy is as mobile as the machines it powers.
Conclusion: A New Generation of Innovation
As InnoTrans 2026 continues, the reception of HERMES highlights a growing appetite for solutions that are both high-tech and practical. ALTPRO’s ability to combine its decades-long expertise in safety-critical rail systems with the cutting-edge requirements of the hydrogen economy places the company at the forefront of the green transition.
By proving that infrastructure limitations no longer have to dictate the limits of progress, HERMES is poised to become a staple of the next generation of transport and energy technology. As the global community looks toward 2030 and 2050 climate goals, innovations like the HERMES platform serve as essential tools in the quest to decarbonize without leaving remote or underserved regions behind.
For the international rail community, the message from the Croatian delegation is clear: the future of electrification is not just in the wires above us, but in the intelligent, mobile energy systems we deploy on the ground.
About ALTPRO
ALTPRO is a premier Croatian technology company specializing in the research, development, and production of sophisticated signaling systems for railway infrastructure and on-board rolling stock. With a legacy spanning over three decades and installations across 55 countries, ALTPRO is recognized globally for its SIL 4 certified solutions, which represent the pinnacle of safety and reliability in the modern railway industry.
Media Contact:
ALTPRO d.o.o.
Velika cesta 41, Zagreb, Croatia
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.altpro.com
