DiGas, the Latvian locomotive retrofit expert, has entered a strategic partnership with HDF Energy, the high-power fuel cell manufacturer from France. The companies will join efforts, resources and expertise to accelerate the design and development of diesel locomotive retrofit projects involving hydrogen power. To support the partnership, HDF Energy has also acquired a minority stake in DiGas’ capital.
The partnership will create synergies between DiGas and HDF Energy to jointly design and develop CO2-emission-free hydrogen locomotives and offer a true alternative to diesel-powered locomotives. This retrofit solution will deliver both environmental and economic sustainability benefits to customers, the companies claim.
DiGas brings its 15 years of engineering, certification and commissioning experience in retrofitting all kinds of high horsepower vehicles, with a recent focus on the locomotive sector. It is the first company in the European Union that has managed to certify a retrofitted gaseous fuel locomotive.
HDF Energy will apply its 10 years of hands-on technical experience throughout the complete hydrogen value chain. In addition, the partnership will help position the company as a designer and manufacturer of high-power fuel cells for heavy marine and rail mobility. HDF already has a first experience in the French railway sector with the HyShunt project conducted with Captrain, subsidiary of the SNCF, to develop the first hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive.
