A new agreement signed between Alstom and Eversholt Rail will bring the UK’s first ever hydrogen train fleet to British rails as the nation transitions to zero-emission solutions, the companies have said.

With the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), the companies will share technical and commercial information to ensure that the project is a success.

As part of the project, Alstom will design, build, commission and support the new hydrogen fleet which features 10 three-car hydrogen multiple units (HMUs) which additionally will be built in Britain.

It is expected that the final contracts for the hydrogen fleet will be signed in early 2022.

Nick Crossfield, Managing Director of UK & Ireland at Alstom, 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, CEO of Eversholt Rail, 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.”