Angel Trains Partners with Arcola Energy on Hydrogen Train Project

Leading rolling stock asset manager to provide rolling stock expertise and investment in green hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

17 May, 2021 – Angel Trains, one of Britain’s leading rolling stock asset managers, today announced it will partner with Arcola Energy and its industry consortium partners in delivering the Zero Emission Train project, providing rolling stock expertise and over £500k investment in green hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

Angel Trains will extend its support, which to date has included technical advice, parts and equipment, to involve technical, commercial and sustainability expertise in the collaboration with hydrogen integration specialist Arcola Energy and its rail industry consortium partners.

The project will deliver Scotland’s first hydrogen powered train offering a zero-carbon alternative to the country’s rail network. The Transport Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and the University of St Andrews/Hydrogen Accelerator backed project will see the demonstration of a deployment-ready hydrogen-powered train during COP26.

Malcolm Brown, CEO of Angel Trains, said: “We are proud to be partnering with Arcola Energy and its consortium partners to offer our technical support and expertise on this ambitious project. The project will enable cleaner and greener travel, bringing us one step closer to reaching the government’s net-zero target. We are excited to extend our involvement in this innovative new venture and look forward to collaborating with our industry partners, Scotland’s universities and government to accelerate the decarbonisation of the rail industry.”

Angel Trains will offer industry insights into traction options for new, as well as converted, rolling stock and has provided funding for a flexible refueller installation, delivering green hydrogen from renewable sources to support further development and testing.

Matthew Labuda, Head of Angel Trains Customer Service, North said: “We are thrilled to be involved in this pioneering project for Scotland – it’s an exciting opportunity for us to work with our industry partners and support Scottish innovation. At a time when the World’s focus will be on COP26 in Glasgow, the new Scottish Hydrogen Train will bring cutting edge technologies to life, whilst enhancing the passenger experience and progressing the government’s green agenda.”

“We have very much enjoyed working with Angel Trains on the project and are delighted that they have chosen to deepen their collaboration with Arcola Energy and our partners,” said Ben Todd, CEO, Arcola Energy. “As a leading rolling stock asset manager, Angel’s involvement will support the project’s ambition to be the first zero-emission train offering a holistic and sustainable well-to-wheel perspective.”

The industry consortium led by Arcola was formed in response to an opportunity created by the Scottish Government to foster rail innovation and supply chain development as part of the country’s decarbonisation strategy.

John Irvine, Professor at the University of St Andrews and Chair of the Hydrogen Accelerator, who are overseeing the train’s legacy as a development platform, said: “The Scottish Hydrogen Zero Emission Train project is a great example of the collaboration we aim to foster. In order to scale-up the deployment of zero carbon and zero emission technologies, it is imperative that commercial organisations who are making decisions about long-term assets are informed and motivated to make the right decisions for the future – it is both encouraging and very welcome to have Angel Trains actively engaging in this project.”

About Angel Trains

Angel Trains is one of Britain’s leading train leasing companies and has been an owner and lessor of rolling stock since 1994. The company leases to 18 franchised operators and two open access operators in the UK. Angel Trains is passionate about financing and delivering high quality, modern assets to its customers and is committed to working with the Government, the Rail Delivery Group (“RDG”) and other stakeholders to provide innovative funding solutions to modernise and improve the UK’s train fleet.

Angel Trains has invested £5 billion in new rolling stock and refurbishment programmes since 1994 and is one of the largest private investors in the industry.

Website: www.angeltrains.co.uk  

About Arcola Energy

Arcola Energy is a leader in hydrogen and fuel cell integration, specialising in zero-emission solutions for heavy-duty vehicles and transport applications. As a systems engineering specialist and Tier 1 integrator, Arcola addresses the deployment gap between rapidly evolving low-carbon technologies and efficient real-world applications by developing market-ready solutions, reducing development cost and time to market. 

Source: Angel Trains Partners with Arcola Energy on Hydrogen Train Project

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