A historic agreement has been signed between Wabtec and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy for 150 FLXdrive™ Battery-Electric Shunters alongside the modernisation of the mainline fleet

The Memorandum of Understanding will see Wabtec deliver 150 FLXdrive™ Battery-Electric Shunters as well as transforming the current mainline fleet into NextFuelTM liquid natural gas-powered (LNG) locomotives.

The huge investment is the biggest sustainable technology agreement by CIS railroad and will reshape both mainline and yard operations for Kazakhstan Temir Zholy alongside a substantial cut in greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.

Rafael Santana, President and CEO for Wabtec said: “Since early 2000, KTZ has been the regional transportation leader in adopting state-of-the-art technologies and is honouring that legacy by pioneering the transition to a low-carbon rail network with Wabtec’s FLXdrive battery-electric technology,”

“Battery power is an ideal solution to reduce the environmental impact and costs of yard operations. Using the FLXdrive in a rail yard can significantly improve local air quality and reduce noise for neighbouring communities. We are proud to partner with KTZ on this strategic investment.”

The innovative FLXdrive shunter will operate using 100% battery power which features more than 1.5-megawatt hours of energy. The impressive vehicles will also provide a zero-emission solution for Kazakhstan Temir Zholy bringing a reduction in fuel expenses for its yard operations by around $75,000 per shunter, per year. The FLXdrive also provides up to 97% less need for scheduled maintenance alongside avoiding expensive electrification.

The agreement will also see Wabtec provide NextFuel kits to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy for the conversion from traditional diesel locomotive to LNG and will provide an increased operational range of travel from 1,300km to 3,000km with a welcome cut in costs of up to 26%.

A digital solutions collaboration for the fleet will also take place between Wabtec and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy with Trip Optimiser being the first digital product used and will bring fuel-efficient operation modes for freight trains and will see a reduction in fuel usage by a minimum of 5%. The fourth quarter will see pilot testing take place and if results are positive will be utilised on Kazahkstan Temir Zholy locomotives.

Nurlan Sauranbayev, KTZ’s Chairman of the Management Board said: “This MOU continues to grow our long history of success with Wabtec in modernizing Kazakhstan’s rail industry,”

“Together, we will make our rail operations more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. It also strengthens our position as a rail technology leader in the CIS region.”

Production of the FLXdrives and locomotive conversion to LNG will take place at Wabtec’s LKZ facility in Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan in 2024.