HDF Energy and DIGAS to jointly develop hydrogen freight locomotives

This 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. This retrofit solution will deliver both environmental and economic sustainable benefits to their customers.

HDF Energy will capitalise 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 kind of high horsepower vehicles, with a recent focus on the locomotive sector. It is the first company in the EU that has managed to certify a retrofitted gaseous fuel locomotive.

Together, HDF and DIGAS will contribute to the rapid transition towards 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. HDF has also taken a minority stake in DIGAS’ capital in order to support the partnership.

Damien Harvard, Founder and President of HDF Energy, declared: “We are excited to partner with DIGAS, while also investing in the company as a shareholder. Thanks to their 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 stated: “We are thrilled to partner up with HDF Energy in parallel to welcoming them as our shareholders. 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 their 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 decarbonisation 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.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/26042023/hdf-energy-and-digas-to-jointly-develop-hydrogen-freight-locomotives/