Alstom demonstrates world's first diesel-to-hydrogen shunting locomotive

Alstom has successfully completed the first run of a shunting locomotive converted from diesel to hydrogen power at its facility in Salzgitter, Germany. This development represents a significant step towards emissions-free operations in rail shunting.

The conversion solution was developed in collaboration with VPS Verkehrsbetriebe Peine-Salzgitter GmbH, WTZ Roßlau gGmbH, and the Technical University of Braunschweig. The project involves replacing the diesel engine with a system that allows for the direct combustion of hydrogen, resulting in zero CO2 emissions. The locomotive will undergo industrial testing at the Salzgitter AG steel plant through October 2025.

The project received €1.5 million in funding from the state of Lower Saxony and the city of Salzgitter. Alstom estimates that each converted locomotive can save approximately 150 tons of CO2 annually. With around 1,000 diesel shunting locomotives in operation in Germany, the potential for emission reduction is substantial.

Findings from this practical trial will be analyzed to assess the feasibility of a serial production solution. This project underscores Alstom's commitment to advancing sustainable mobility technologies.