It is estimated that this project will reduce emissions by 10,000 tons of CO2 equivalent per year, in the long term, i.e., the reduction of 90% of its current emissions. This is the equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 30,000 round trips from Paris to Nice by car.
The new hydrogen solution will be developed from a high-powered fuel cell system that can power electric locomotives in non-electrified areas. This solution will be able to transport goods over long distances, on a national and European scale.
From 2025, this freight train powered by electricity from the rail network and from hydrogen in non-electrified sectors will aim to progressively ensure the transport of VITTEL natural mineral water between the factory located in the Vosges and its various distribution centers in France (i.e. Vittel/Arles 600 kms and Vittel/Montreuil-Bellay 760 kms).
The dual-mode solution will be composed of a generator wagon incorporating a high-power fuel cell system powered by renewable hydrogen and a line-electric locomotive, all connected by an electrical power cable. The generating wagon will be able to supply the locomotive with electricity in the without the need for any catenary. ENGIE will supply the renewable hydrogen for this solution through the deployment of an innovative supply chain.
This solution aims to replace the diesel-powered locomotives, currently used on most lines in France and most European countries.
“Alstom has been a pioneer in hydrogen trains by developing the first hydrogen train in commercial operation worldwide,” said Marc Granger, chief strategy officer at Alstom. “Our ambition is to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen in the rail industry and to develop innovative solutions for the greening of mass mobility, including rail freight. Therefore, we are looking forward to the first circulation of a freight locomotive powered by renewable hydrogen in 2025. To go further, this solution, which is more environmentally friendly and generates less noise than diesel, will make it possible to develop the modal share of rail freight by offering an end-to-end electric solution, a real alternative to freight transport.”