UK: GB Railfreight has signed a memorandum of understanding to work with HyOrc Corp to investigate what would be required to retrofit Class 66 diesel locomotives with the US company’s ‘zero‑emission‑ready’ traction technology.
Houston-based HyOrc develops and commercialises patented hydrogen-capable combustion and waste-to-fuel systems for the shipping, rail and off-grid power sectors. It has developed a 1 MW system which has been independently assessed by Bureau Veritas, and under Project Phoenix is to work with GBRf to assess whether a scaled-up 3 MW version could replace a legacy locomotive’s diesel engine as a pathway for transitioning to more sustainable fuels without the need for electrification.
The phased approach would initially reduce emissions through the use of natural gas or LPG, before transitioning to use 100% hydrogen and HyOrc’s proprietary hydrogen‑conditioning technology.
On February 20 Alex Kirk, Commercial Director at GB Railfreight, said retrofitting some of the operator’s existing fleet with multi-fuel technology could extend the value of current assets and offer ‘a practical, low‑risk route to decarbonisation’ alongside its introduction of new Stadler Class 99 electro-diesel locos.
HyOrc CFO Lisa Carter said ‘Project Phoenix is a turning point for the rail industry. By retrofitting existing assets, we allow operators to decarbonise immediately, bypassing billions in new fleet costs. We are exploring obtaining structured funding through the Connected Places Catapult Accelerator.’
