- New co-operation agreement aims to provide an initial fleet of 10 new hydrogen trains for U
- Industry first will help UK and Scotland Government ambitions tO decarbonise rail
10 November 2021 – Alstom, Britain’s leading train manufacturer and maintenance provider, and Eversholt Rail, leading British train owner and financier, have today announced a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at delivering the UK’s first ever brand-new hydrogen train fleet.
The two companies have agreed to work together, sharing technical and commercial information necessary for Alstom to design, build, commission and support a fleet of ten three-car hydrogen multiple units (HMUs). These will be built by Alstom in Britain. The new HMU fleet will be based on the latest evolution of the Alstom Aventra platform and the intention is that final contracts for the fleet will be signed in early 2022.
Eversholt Rail and Alstom are committed to taking a leading role in supporting the UK and Scotland Government ambitions to decarbonise its rail sector by 2040, and the Scottish Government’s objective of doing so by 2035. Alstom is a world leader in the provision of rolling stock solutions and was the first
company in the world to produce a hydrogen powered train – the Coradia iLint – which is in operational service in Germany.
Nick Crossfield, Alstom’s Managing Director, UK & Ireland said: “COP26 is a reminder of just how urgent the need to decarbonise our world is. Rail is already the lowest emission transport mode, but we can do even more, and I am delighted that we have concluded this agreement with our friends at Eversholt Rail which will lead to Britain’s first ever fleet of new hydrogen trains.”
Mary Kenny, Eversholt Rail’s CEO said: “It is important that we start sooner rather than later to decarbonise UK Rail if we are to meet the 2050 ‘net-zero’ target. Hydrogen propulsion will play an important role, and this project with Alstom will demonstrate how the private sector can work together to make a difference.”
Alstom and Eversholt Rail have previously worked together on a hydrogen rolling stock solution for the UK rail sector, through the proposed conversion of an existing Electric Multiple Unit to hydrogen power – the ‘Breeze’ project. Both companies now believe that there is a market for a fleet of new trains for
use by train operators across Britain. The breadth, depth of knowledge and experience gained from the Breeze project, together with stakeholder feedback on future fleet strategies, has been invaluable in shaping the product planning.
Building on Alstom’s long expertise in keeping Britain moving, the Aventra single-deck train has been developed for the requirements of mainline train operations, from high-capacity metro systems to intercity services. Designed to be the fastest, smartest, and most economical platform in modern rail, Aventra trains are modular, from carriage length to interior layout and design. They can easily be modified for different customer requirements, while retaining core benefits such as a lightweight carbody and low lifecycle costs.
Notes to Editors:
1. The agreement between Alstom and Eversholt Rail does not establish a partnership or joint venture between the Parties. Whilst each of the Parties intend to cooperate as described in the agreement, both Parties acknowledge
that nothing in the agreement shall oblige either Party to enter into any further agreements.
Aventra™, Coradia iLint™ and Alstom™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group
About Alstom:
Leading societies to a low carbon future, Alstom develops and markets mobility solutions that provide the sustainable foundations for the future of transportation. Alstom’s product portfolio ranges from high-speed trains, metros, monorails and trams, to integrated systems, customised services, infrastructure, signalling, and digital mobility solutions. Alstom has
150,000 vehicles in commercial service worldwide. With Bombardier Transportation joining Alstom on January 29, 2021, the enlarged Group’s combined proforma revenue amounts to €14 billion for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021. Headquartered in France, Alstom is now present in 70 countries and employs more than 70,000 people. www.alstom.com
About Eversholt Rail:
Eversholt Rail owns UK passenger and freight rolling stock and has more than 25 years’ experience in the rail industry. Eversholt Rail has invested more than £3bn in new trains since privatisation and continually invests in existing fleets to maintain quality and reliability to deliver a better passenger experience. Eversholt Rail has a proud history of innovation and plays an integral role in the growth and modernisation of the UK rail sector by introducing new products and technologies into the market. www.eversholtrail.co.uk
Press:
Will Tanner – Tel.: +44 (0)7768 031663
will.tanner@alstomgroup.co
