By signing the MoU, the parties have taken a step toward the decarbonization of Hungary’s rail transport network. MOL Group produces and utilizes almost 150,000 tons of hydrogen per year. Building on its business and technological competences, the company takes a key part in the initiative by supplying green alternative fuels.
Hungary aims to play a leading role in the transition to net zero. Therefore, as part of its National Hydrogen Strategy, the country has been investigating the feasibility of introducing hydrogen technology to rail transportation.
“By building the world’s first hydrogen train Coradia iLint, Alstom proved that hydrogen trains are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative propulsion technology. With this MoU, we aim to share our experience in hydrogen technology and help Hungary to begin a new chapter in its rail transportation: the era of net zero,” said Gaspar Balazs, managing director and CEO of Alstom in Hungary. “From experience, we know that hydrogen trains are reliable, clean and economical solution for the rail industry.”
“The MOL Group is committed to sustainable development and the company’s key strategic objective is to become carbon neutral by 2050. We currently produce almost 150,000 tons of hydrogen per year, so we have a wealth of experience in using this energy source for industrial purposes. The time has come to produce hydrogen with lower carbon intensity in line with the regulatory environment and consumer expectations, and to also leverage our knowledge in the field of mobility,” said Gabriel Szabó, managing director of MOL Group Downstream.
“As the largest fuel supplier to the Hungarian rail industry, we are pleased to join forces with Alstom. This cooperation will allow us to explore the potential of hydrogen supply and related infrastructure development in one of the most sustainable mobility services, rail transport,” Szabó added.