Train-maker Alstom has signed a deal to share their knowledge so that they can build the 海角视频鈥檚 first hydrogen train fleet.
The Derby manufacturer has signed a memorandum of understanding with rail operator and financier Eversholt Rail to design, build, commission and support a fleet of 10 hydrogen powered trains. Each would have three units.
The two companies would share the technical and commercial information necessary for Alstom to develop the new fleet in the 海角视频 which would be based on the Aventra loco currently built in Derby.
Alstom hopes final contracts for the fleet can be signed early next year.
The two businesses said they were committed to taking a leading role in supporting the 海角视频 and Scotland Government ambitions to decarbonise its rail sector by 2040 鈥 and the Scottish Government鈥檚 objective of doing so by 2035.
Nick Crossfield, Alstom鈥檚 managing director for the 海角视频 and Ireland, said: 鈥淐OP26 is a reminder of just how urgent the need to decarbonise our world is.
鈥淩ail 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鈥檚 first ever fleet of new hydrogen trains.鈥
Mary Kenny, chief executive of Eversholt Rail, said: 鈥淚t is important that we start sooner rather than later to decarbonise 海角视频 Rail if we are to meet the 2050 鈥榥et-zero鈥 target.
鈥淗ydrogen propulsion will play an important role, and this project with Alstom will demonstrate how the private sector can work together to make a difference.鈥
Alstom and Eversholt Rail worked together on the planned conversion of an existing electric unit to hydrogen power 鈥 called the 鈥楤reeze鈥 project.
Both companies believe that there is a market for a fleet of new trains in Britain.
In a statement Alstom said: 鈥淭he 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.
鈥淏uilding on Alstom鈥檚 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.
鈥淒esigned to be the fastest, smartest, and most economical platform in modern rail, Aventra trains are modular, from carriage length to interior layout and design.
鈥淭hey can easily be modified for different customer requirements, while retaining core benefits such as a lightweight car body and low lifecycle costs.鈥
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