Steamology, a ‘green technology’ start-up company in West Dean, Hampshire, has secured its first commercial contract with
Arup and
Eversholt Rail, as well as
Freightliner, to support the evaluation of ‘green steam to eliminate all freight train emissions’. The company says electrification, and use of electric heavy-haul freight locomotives, is the most energy-efficient way to move goods on land but points out that large parts of the national rail network remain unelectrified, adding that this project will provide a complementary means of zero-emissions goods transportation by rail.
Steamology has developed a new and patented technology that generates high-pressure steam without carbon emissions by ‘burning hydrogen in oxygen inside small modular steam generators’. The companies’ New Dawn project will apply this development to rail by converting a Class 60 locomotive to a full powered prototype that will see the replacement of the diesel engine with 20 steam generators, four steam turbines and 140kg of gas storage that will produce 2MW of zero-emission power.
Conversion work is planned to commence in the UK in 2025. If successful, this technology could be applied as a modification to existing locomotives or incorporated into newly built products by locomotive manufacturers. Arup is providing consultancy and design services to support the conversion work.
Andrew Went, who leads Arup UKIMEA’s rail business and global high-speed rail, said: “Arup has a commitment to advocate for, and work towards a sustainable and fair world, and decarbonised rail transport forms a key part of the infrastructure that we all need. We are delighted and excited to work with Eversholt Rail, Steamology, and Freightliner, and to be involved in the application of this ‘cutting edge’ technology in a manner that will demonstrate a better way forward for heavy-haul freight which, until now, has been considered as the most challenging of rail modes to decarbonise.”
Tim Shoveller, Freightliner Group’s CEO, said: “We are committed to supporting innovative R&D solutions that help to push the boundaries of rail as a core component of a sustainable infrastructure. Rail freight is already a greener option over road, cutting carbon emissions by up to 76%. It is great to see the evolution of the efficient turbine technology and its application in supporting the development of more sustainable energy sources for the future railway.”