By ROGER FORD
Informed Sources
- Alstom and Eversholt commit £1 million to hydrogen Class 321
- Hitachi boosts battery bi-modes
- DfT still resisting electrification
To date, alternative traction – batteries, fuel cells, steam turbines, genetically modified hamster wheels – has been the preserve of the university research groups and the rolling stock companies. Alright, I made the last one up, although I wouldn’t put it past Vivarail, which is covering any and all bases.
Source: Network Rail, Traction Decarbonisation Network Study
However, until this year the multinational traction and rolling stock manufacturers have been noticeable by their reticence in the UK when it comes to diesel traction replacement. But within just a fortnight in July both Alstom and Hitachi went large on their alternative traction proposals for UK railway decarbonisation.
