RUSSIA: An agreement to co-operate to develop hydrogen fuel cell and lithium-ion battery hybrid locomotives has been signed by Russian Railways, locomotive supplier Sinara Group and nanotechnology investor Rusnano.
The agreement provides for research, development and design work, analysis of the infrastructure which would required and the development of technical requirements for a main line locomotive. The parties are also interested in co-operating to develop shunting locos.
It is envisaged that prototypes could be built in 2023-24.
‘Russian Railways’ share of the total volume of greenhouse emissions in Russia is less than 1%’, said RZD CEO Oleg Belozerov. ‘From 2025 onwards, we plan to purchase only electric locomotives as well as locomotives powered by alternative energy sources such as natural gas and hydrogen. This will reduce the environmental burden even further.’
The agreement ‘is an example of creating alliances to separate costs and competencies for developing a promising technological project’, said Rusnano Chairman Sergey Kulikov. ‘Today, the hydrogen and electric transport sector is very promising, and Rusnano intends to actively develop in this area of focus.’
