Alstom told H2 View the suspension applies only to an Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI)-related development and that wider hydrogen activities are continuing.

The company said it has delivered the IPCEI-backed prototype railway fuel cell and remains in “regular and responsible dialogue” with the French Government over next steps.

However, France’s decision to halt its contribution effectively blocks Alstom’s access to its share of EU support, as IPCEIs require matching national funding.

An Alstom representative told H2 View, “Alstom is engaged in regular and responsible dialogue with the French government with a view to identifying solutions to ensure the sustainability of the group’s activities and the ‘made in France’ hydrogen sector.”

The manufacturer is reportedly redeploying staff and continuing to fulfil existing hydrogen train orders in France, Italy and Germany.

“Alstom is committed to its current hydrogen train customers in three European countries daily and will honour its contractual commitments for delivery, maintenance, and operational support,” the spokesperson added.

Alstom launched the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train, the Coradia iLint, in Germany in 2022.

Although the model has since been trialled across Europe, its flagship deployment in Lower Saxony hit difficulties.

Last year, EVB, which introduced 14 iLints to replace 15 diesel units, was forced to revert to five diesel railcars and cancel services after Linde reported hydrogen delivery problems.

In August 2025, EVB was forced to cut back hydrogen services in Lower Saxony after replacement fuel-cell modules failed to arrive.

Only four of the operator’s 14 Coradia iLint units remained in operation at the time, an EVB spokesperson told H2 View.