ALSTOM and Eversholt Rail have unveiled plans to re-engineer a number of Class 321 EMUs to run on hydrogen.
The first units could be in service by 2021.
Following Alstom’s successful introduction of the ‘Coradia’ iLint hydrogen trains in Germany, there is a focus to create a similar train in the UK, and the two companies have codenamed the project ‘Breeze’.
Class 321s are due to begin coming off lease with Greater Anglia from October, but that depends on the introduction of the Bombardier Class 720 replacements.
The ‘321s’ are owned by Eversholt, and in current form are one of the UK’s most reliable trains. They would provide an ideal base for cost-effective conversion to a ‘green’ train to replace diesel trains in other parts of the UK.
A joint statement states the design concept has been completed and the companies are working closely with industry stakeholders to develop the business cases and evaluate detailed introduction plans for fleets of these trains and the associated fuelling infrastructure.
Read more in the February 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!
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