Nestlé Waters to use first hydrogen-powered freight train with Alstom and ENGIE solution

Nestlé Waters France is set to become the first company in Europe to implement a hydrogen fuel cell solution for rail freight, including renewable hydrogen supply, starting in 2025. The system, developed by Alstom and ENGIE, is projected to reduce emissions by an estimated 10,000 tons of CO2 equivalent annually.

The initial application will be for transporting VITTEL® natural mineral water from Nestlé Waters' factory in the Vosges region to various distribution centers across France. The solution comprises a generator wagon equipped with a high-power fuel cell system fueled by renewable hydrogen, paired with a line-electric locomotive capable of operating on non-electrified railway sections.

This project is expected to cut Nestlé Waters' current emissions by 90%, which is equivalent to more than 30,000 round-trip car journeys between Paris and Nice annually. This aligns with Nestlé Waters' ongoing efforts to decarbonize its supply chain.

Alstom describes the solution as an innovation that allows for the transport of goods over long distances, both nationally and across Europe. The initiative is intended to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technology in the rail industry and develop green solutions for mass mobility and freight.