photo: Operail /Operail is planning to build a prototype of a hydrogen locomotive
Hydrogen solutions company OÜ Stargate Rail has signed a letter of intent with AS Operail, the international rail company, to convert diesel-electric locomotives to zero-emission fuel cell electric locomotives.
As part of the retrofit, the diesel gen-sets that power the locomotives will be replaced by a zero-emission powertrain consisting of polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. After the conversion, the locomotives will operate as shunting locomotives.
The partnership with Operail is planned in two phases. Initially, a prototype of a fuel cell electric locomotive will be constructed by the end of 2022. In the second phase of the project, the parties intend to convert an additional 40 locomotives to fuel cell power.
Raul Toomsalu, Chairman of the Management Board at Operail, said: "Operail has focused its activities on environmental sustainability. In Estonia, this is achieved via electrification of the main railway lines, but this does not resolve the issue of emissions in shunting operations. The team at Stargate has outstanding international experience and world-class technological capabilities, while our professionals at the Tapa depot have the skills and knowledge for building modern locomotives. As a result of this collaboration, we can offer innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions in all our target markets.”
The completion of the first hydrogen locomotive prototype is planned for the end of 2022.
SOURCE: Operail
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