Alstom has signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Liebherr for a fuel cells compressor. This agreement is aimed to improve performance of fuel cells, in particular by increasing their power density and reducing their cost.

The company has also signed an MoU signed with Hynamics (EDF) that aims to reduce the time needed to refuel hydrogen passenger trains. It has also signed an MOU with Plastic Omnium to develop onboard hydrogen tanks.

Teams from Alstom and Hynamics are already carrying out joint modelling and simulation work. Under development is a test bench, including a hydrogen production station, compressor, and storage racks, to evaluate the behaviour of the refuelling operation under optimal observation conditions.

Alstom’s core competency in terms of hydrogen lies in rolling stock design and production, but many of its customers are looking for complete hydrogen fuel systems. The solution is to work with partners who can deliver quality work for the rest of the requirements.

Alstom has signed multiple active partnership agreements that focus on the infrastructure for the production, transportation, and management of refuelling stations. They have signed rolling stock partnerships in several European countries:

• in Germany, the company has formed a consortium with Linde for the Lower Saxony Regional Transport Company (LNVG) and a consortium with Infraserv for Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV);
• in Italy, Alstom is partnering with Snam;
• in France the company is partnering with Engie.

Every year it becomes more and more apparent that the global shift to sustainable mobility is not one option among many but a pressing necessity. Alstom has recognised this and is ready for it by expanding and improving its hydrogen portfolio, both through internal expertise and acquisitions, but by entering numerous partnerships.

With Hydrogen fuel in the spotlight, Brahim Soua, VP Regional Platform at Alstom, explains why these links are so important:

“Alstom is a pioneer in hydrogen-powered trains. We are building the foundation for the future industry. There are a few key goals we need to work on: making hydrogen more competitive and robust and finding a way to offer complete systems to our clients. To better deliver on those objectives, among many other actions, we have signed strategic long-term partnerships with a variety of companies.”

“On top of everything else, we’re also doing knowledge exchange. For scientific expertise on hydrogen, Alstom is collaborating with the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Office. We’re also involved in return on experience with Safran, an aircraft and aerospace corporation which is experienced in studying all aspects of using H2 fuel.”

“Emission-free mobility is one of the most important goals for ensuring a sustainable future, and we can see now how right we were to start exploring it early at Alstom. We are proud to be a pioneer in the market, and using Alstom’s strategy to guide us, we are confident we can keep the progress going strong.”