To support this partnership, HDF has also acquired a minority stake in DiGas’s capital.
The partnership will create synergies between HDF and DiGas to jointly design and develop CO2-emission-free hydrogen locomotives and offer a true alternative to polluting diesel-powered locomotives. The retrofit solution will deliver both environmental and economic sustainable benefits to both firms’ customers.
HDF Energy will capitalize on its expertise in the development of hydrogen infrastructures based on 10 years of hands-on technical experience throughout the complete hydrogen value chain. In addition, the partnership will help position the company as a designer and manufacturer of high-power fuel cells for heavy marine and rail mobility.
HDF already has a first experience in the French railway sector with the HyShunt project conducted with Captrain, subsidiary of the SNCF, to develop the first hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive.
DIGAS is a Latvian based company bringing its 15 years of proven engineering, certification, and commissioning experience in retrofitting all kinds of high horsepower vehicles, with a recent focus on the locomotive sector. It is the first company in the European Union that has managed to certify a retrofitted gaseous fuel locomotive.
Together, HDF and DIGAS will contribute to the rapid transition toward hydrogen power in the railway sector, which not only promotes a cleaner environment, but also offers competitive performance and operational advantages when compared to traditional power solutions.
Damien Harvard, founder and president of HDF Energy, said, “We are excited to partner with DiGas, while investing in the company as a shareholder. Thanks to its extensive experience, DiGas has already demonstrated its technical leadership in designing, managing, and commissioning complex diesel locomotive retrofit projects throughout Europe. Combined with HDF’s 10 years’ experience in hydrogen projects, we will be able to offer the railway freight market competitive carbon-free locomotive retrofit solutions using hydrogen power.”
Petro Dumenko, founder and CEO of DIGAS added, “When we looked at the landscape of all companies to partner with in the hydrogen space, HDF Energy stood out and shined the brightest due to its 10 years of hands-on technical experience throughout the complete hydrogen value chain and a global reach. Together, we will be able to serve the railway freight market providing a long-waited solution of instant decarbonization for the non-electrified part of the sector. This will significantly expand the ability of locomotive operators worldwide to make their operation not only carbon-free but also pollution-free and do it while staying competitive in the marketplace.”