Imagine replacing old, smoky diesel trains with versions that run on batteries or hydrogen, like a giant electric car for the tracks. It's not just about the trains, but also making stations cleaner and reducing the noise that wakes up neighbors. The goal is to make rail travel as green as possible while ensuring the parts can be recycled at the end of their life.
Railway operators face pressure to eliminate diesel emissions and reduce noise pollution while meeting strict 2050 climate neutrality targets. There is a lack of commercially viable, standardized battery and hydrogen systems for regional rail.
Battery modules, traction system prototypes, and hydrogen refueling simulations for trains and stations.
If you are a train manufacturer dealing with the phase-out of diesel engines — this project developed battery and hydrogen power plants that allow regional trains to run without fossil fuels. This enables the production of zero-emission vehicles for the 2050 climate neutral goal.
If you are an infrastructure operator dealing with the lack of fueling standards — this project developed H2 refueling simulations and safety rules. This ensures a faster and safer rollout of hydrogen stations for rail networks.
If you are a recycling firm dealing with complex railway waste — this project developed circular economy and recyclability standards for train interiors and components. This creates a viable economic model for recovering materials from old rolling stock.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project is tasked with verifying that solutions have viable economic models to ensure rapid commercialization.
The project aims for demonstrations up to TRL7, involving prototypes of battery-powered regional trains and hydrogen refueling stations.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, though the project involves 43 industry partners including Alstom.
The systems are designed to align with European public policies for sustainable transport and the Climate Neutral Europe 2050 target.
The project is scheduled to conclude in November 2026, at which point the solutions will be proposed for commercialization.
The project is heavily industry-driven, with 43 industrial partners representing 59% of the 73-member consortium. Led by Alstom, the group includes a strong mix of 11 universities and 12 research centers across 10 European countries, ensuring a direct pipeline from lab research to industrial application.
Contact Alstom Transport SA regarding the Rail4EARTH sustainable rail initiatives.
Contact us to connect with the 43 industrial partners in this consortium.
