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The start of mainline testing is the culmination of almost two years development work and more than a million pounds investment in HydroFLEX by both Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham. The grant, worth £400,000, is part of InnovateUK’s First of a Kind (FOAK) Programme. Porterbrook recognised as a Sustainability Leader. Developed by leading UK rolling stock owner Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education, HydroFLEX features a hydrogen powerpack retrofitted onto a Class 319 train, transforming it into a Class 799, the first hydrogen powered train on Britain’s railway. BRITAIN’S first full-sized hydrogen train is to star at Rail Live, which opens at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre (QRTC) on June 19.. 15 October 2020. Porterbrook has been at the heart of the UK rail network for over 25 years and owns around a quarter of the national passenger rail fleet. This will make HydroFLEX particularly attractive to regions and routes where there is only partial electrification of the network. Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP said: “As we continue on our road to a green recovery, we know that to really harness the power of transport to improve our country – and to set a global gold standard – we must truly embed change. It’s an exciting advance because it shows how this technology could be adopted into the mainline system to deliver emission-free public transport.”. The transport secretary, Grant Shapps MP, joined representatives from both parties on board the HydroFLEX train. The first ever hydrogen-powered train will run on the UK mainline on 30 September 2020 as part of a major project in partnership with the University of Birmingham – signalling a big step forward towards the UK’s net zero emissions targets. Demonstrating how mainline approvals for hydrogen can be delivered is the next step forward and allows more people to see the benefits of hydrogen.”. Mary Grant, CEO of Porterbrook, said: “Porterbrook is committed to innovation and the delivery of a carbon neutral and sustainable railway. 30 September 2020. Professor Stephen Jarvis, Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham, says: “The University of Birmingham is setting the pace for rail innovation both in the UK and globally. Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (‘BCRRE’) today announce that the UK’s first hydrogen train, HydroFLEX, will be tested on the mainline railway following a successful proof-of-concept. The British Rail Class 799 is a one-off tri-mode multiple unit prototype adapted from a Class 319 electric multiple unit.The existing 25 kV AC and 750 V DC equipment has been retained with a hydrogen fuel cell added, currently taking up one of the carriages.. History. The first hydrogen-powered train has begun trial operations on the UK’s mainline rail network. Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (‘BCRRE’) today announce that the UK’s first hydrogen train, HydroFLEX, will be tested on the mainline railway following a successful proof-of-concept. The £400,000 grant will see the University of Birmingham and Porterbrook develop the detailed final production design and testing of the HydroFLEX hydrogen train. “Our First of a Kind investment has consistently produced truly ambitious projects developed for the benefit of passengers and freight customers. HydroFlex, the UK’s first hydrogen-powered train, ran on the main line today, signalling a big step forward towards the UK’s net zero targets. The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has awarded new funding to the University of Birmingham, meaning that the UK’s first hydrogen-powered train (HydroFLEX) is moving closer to commercial operation. The HydroFLEX pilot involves the fitment of a hydrogen powerpack to an existing Class 319 train, which would eventually allow it to run on conventional electrified routes as well as independently. The technology behind the trains will be available by 2023 to retrofit current in-service trains to hydrogen, helping decarbonise the rail network and make rail journeys greener and more efficient. This is a first test but we are excited about being in a position to provide HydroFLEX as a viable offering very soon. The project is a collaboration between ROSCO Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham. Working in close partnership with the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE), Porterbrook have developed the UK’s first hydrogen powered train – the HydroFLEX. The train is a modified Class 319 train, first built in 1987 by British Rail Engineering. Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) announced that the UK’s first hydrogen train, aptly named HydroFLEX, is to undergo testing on the mainline railway following a successful proof-of-concept. BusinessGreen’s Transport Project of the Year award has gone to Porterbrook for the UK’s first hydrogen train, HydroFLEX. Today’s trials of the train, known as HydroFLEX, which have been supported with a £750,000 grant from the Department for Transport (DfT), follow almost 2 … Developed jointly by the University of Birmingham and train owner Porterbrook, the conversion of a Class 319 all-electric train has been supported with a £750,000 grant from the Department for Transport. We are absolutely committed to driving forward a greener, cleaner and more efficient rail network, using new technology to create modern, low-emission trains which can handle a growing number of journeys.”. The HydroFLEX train is the first Hydrogen-powered, operational train and is a huge step forward in the development of a zero-carbon emission propulsion system, that would work toward decarbonising Britain’s railway. “That’s why I’m delighted that through our plans to build back better we are embracing the power of hydrogen and the more sustainable, greener forms of transport it will bring.”. Work on the next stage of HydroFLEX is already well advanced with the University of Birmingham developing a hydrogen and battery power module that can be fitted underneath the production version of the train, which will create increased capacity for passengers in the train’s saloon area. UK’s First Hydrogen Train takes to the Mainline. Porterbrook’s HydroFLEX 799001, converted from a Class 319 electric multiple unit (319001), made its first trips between Long Marston and Evesham on September 21, before being shown to Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps on September 29. 5 November 2020. It will enable the HydroFLEX development team at the University of Birmingham and industry partners Porterbrook to develop the detailed final production design and testing of the HydroFLEX train. ... a lecturer at the University of Birmingham, which helped develop the train along with rail company Porterbrook. The train will utilize Ballard’s power module and Ballard will also provide system controls development, mechanical integration of … Delivering the UK’s first hydrogen train is a huge step for the rail industry and marks a milestone for green transport everywhere. Alex Burrows, Director at Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, commented: “This is a great success story for the UK Rail Industry, which shows our capability and commitment to helping the government meet decarbonisation targets. The same funding competition has enabled for Porterbrook to pair up with Eminox to create a catalyst converter for diesel trains, extending the green credentials of the rail leasing company. Other industry partners who have supported delivery of HydroFLEX include: Chrysalis Rail for installation work; Denchi Group for traction batteries; Ballard Power Systems for the fuel cell; Luxfer for hydrogen storage tanks; Ricardo Rail for approvals support; Fuel Cell Systems for hydrogen refuelling equipment; Jeff Vehicles for engineering support on fuel cell control; SNC Lavalin for development of a new maintenance regime; DEU for supply of integration steelwork and miscellaneous installation materials; Aura for exterior livery design; and dg8 for design and engineering support. Every day our rolling stock supports around 1.5m passenger journeys and travels over a million miles. The next stages of HydroFLEX are already well underway, with the University of Birmingham developing a hydrogen and battery powered module that can be fitted underneath the train, which will allow for more space for passengers in the train’s carriage. The mainline testing of HydroFLEX marks an important step in the development of a zero-carbon emission propulsion system that could help to decarbonise Britain’s railway. Stuart Hillmansen and Helen Simpson introduce HydroFLEX. The 319 has been a diesel-burning mainstay of the UK’s extensive train system, though the model is slowly being replaced with newer trains. Porterbrook said commuter trains will start to be produced as it continues works with the University of Birmingham to develop a hydrogen and battery powered module that can be fitted underneath the train, allowing more space for passengers. Last summer we were proud to showcase one such innovative project, that we have been working on in collaboration with Porterbrook and 3M UK – the HydroFLEX train. Britain’s railway has a key part to play in reducing transport emissions and we are committed to helping our customers play an important role in delivering this.”, Helen Simpson, Head of Innovation and Technical Services at Porterbrook, said: “The Porterbrook team are delighted to support the testing of HydroFLEX on mainline railways. HydroFlex is Porterbrook and BCRRE’s innovative response, bringing together industry and academia in partnership to deliver the UK’s first-in-class, clean energy, passenger train. Porterbrook wins BusinessGreen Transport Project of the Year. Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) have confirmed that the UK’s first hydrogen train, HydroFLEX, will be tested on the main line railway following a successful proof-of-concept. HydroFLEX, the first hydrogen-powered train in the UK, has been developed by fitting a hydrogen pack to an existing Class 319 train set. “This partnership between the University of Birmingham and Porterbrook has been a trailblazer for academia and industry accelerating ideas into practical application on the railway. This will make the hydrogen train particularly attractive to regions and routes where there is only partial electrification of the network. Britain’s first main line hydrogen train made its national network debut in late September. The Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, joined representatives from … Many collaborators have been key to the success of HydroFLEX so far: Chrysalis Rail for installation, Denchi Group for traction batteries, Ballard Power Systems for the fuel cell, Luxfer for hydrogen storage tanks, DG8 design support, Derby Engineering Unit for panels and brackets, SNC Lavalin for design and hazard identifications, Aura for exterior livery design and dB Cargo Crewe for the recommissioning of the unit. The HydroFLEX train ran on the mainline tracks for the first time only a few weeks ago following almost two years’ development work and more than £1million of investment by both Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham. The HydroFLEX project has recently been awarded funding from Innovate UK through its First Of A Kind competition to take the prototype forward towards mainline testing. Porterbrook will continue working with academics to develop a hydrogen and battery powered module that can be fitted underneath the train, freeing up more space for passengers, and today announced plans to start putting the trains into … We have been very pleased with how the train has performed on the test track and are looking forward to getting it out on the national rail network. I’m also delighted to be able to announce our intention to start producing HydroFLEX trains, creating the world’s first electric and hydrogen powered bi-mode rolling stock, as well as generating significant opportunities for the UK supply chain.”. A hydrogen-powered train. Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling said: “It is fantastic to see government funding helping to drive this innovative project forward, as it progresses to the milestone of mainline testing. The train, called Hydroflex, is the UK’s first to be powered by hydrogen. UK’s First Hydrogen Train takes to the Mainline Member News / By Karen Jackson Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham welcomed Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport, aboard HydroFLEX, Britain’s first hydrogen powered train, as it started operational trials on the mainline railway. The trials of the train, known as HydroFLEX, which have been supported with a £750,000 grant from the Department for Transport, follow almost two years’ development work and more than £1million of investment by both the University of Birmingham and Porterbrook. Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham welcomed Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport, aboard HydroFLEX, Britain’s first hydrogen powered train, as it started operational trials on the mainline railway. The HydroFLEX train on test today is a demonstrator unit, the production version will be configured for operation using both overhead-electric-wires and hydrogen for non-electrified routes. Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (‘BCRRE’) today announce that the UK’s first hydrogen train, HydroFLEX, will be tested on the mainline railway following a successful proof-of-concept. “Successful mainline testing is a major milestone for HydroFLEX and is a clear demonstration of the important role hydrogen has to play in the UK’s rail industry. Unlike diesel trains, hydrogen-powered trains do not emit harmful gases, instead using hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water and heat. Through the University and Porterbrook, we are looking forward to delivering this technology into the UK transport market, ensuring a cleaner future for our railways.”. Porterbrook today also announced plans to start putting HydroFLEX into production, in response to customer demand. The hydrogen train, Hydroflex, was developed over nearly two years by rolling-stock company Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham. Today’s mainline testing of HydroFLEX achieves another important milestone on this journey. The University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) and rolling stock solutions provider Porterbrook are responsible for the implementation of the HydroFLEX project. Porterbrook's 'Hydroflex' train is bi-mode, meaning it can be powered by electricity made from hydrogen or take electricity from overhead cables. Key to this success is the close partnership between academia and industry which has enabled us to pool the expertise needed to rapidly progress this technology from concept to full-scale working demonstrator. UK’s First Hydrogen Train takes to the Mainline. This results in a highly flexible train that can operate on different parts of Britain’s rail network, Mary Grant, CEO of Porterbrook, said: “Sustainability and innovation are integral to what we do here at Porterbrook, and so we are tremendously proud to have played a key role in designing and building the UK’s first hydrogen train. Porterbrook will provide a Class 319 electric train for conversion by BCRRE’s technical and research experts into a HydroFLEX hydrogen-powered train. Hydrogen trains are cleaner than our filthy diesel locomotives. See UK's first hydrogen train Back . Three quarters of our 150 employees are highly specialised engineers or project managers. We look forward to the next phase of this project which will take this technology onto the UK railway.”, Dr Stuart Hillmansen, Senior Lecturer, Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education noted: “Our prototype shows how hydrogen powered technology can be incorporated within existing trains, without needing to modify the drivers’ controls. The HydroFLEX mainline testing programme has been supported by Innovate UK, who have provided funding to two of the development workstreams. Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham welcomed Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport, aboard HydroFLEX, Britain’s first hydrogen powered train, as it started operational trials on the mainline railway. The HydroFLEX project is a great example of how world-class R&D, together with the right industry partnerships, can deliver decarbonisation technologies that are both innovative and practical. The UK’s first mainline hydrogen fuel cell powered rail vehicle is being developed by a collaboration between Porterbrook and the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education. Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (‘BCRRE’) today announce that the UK’s first hydrogen train, HydroFLEX, will be tested on the mainline railway following a successful proof-of-concept. West Midlands Trains and Porterbrook partner to improve reliability. Joined representatives from both parties on board the HydroFLEX hydrogen train takes to the mainline, first in! Hydroflex into production, in response to customer demand and travels over a million miles has! Hydrogen-Powered train conversion by BCRRE ’ s technical and research experts into a HydroFLEX hydrogen-powered train board HydroFLEX. Hydroflex hydrogen-powered train has begun trial operations on the UK ’ s mainline testing has. 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