Alstom and Eversholt Rail announced a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at delivering the UK’s first ever brand-new hydrogen train fleet, according to the company's press release.

"COP26 is a reminder of just how urgent the need to decarbonise our world is," said Nick Crossfield, Alstom managing director. "Rail is already the lowest emission transport mode, but we can do even more, and I am delighted that we have concluded this agreement with our friends at Eversholt Rail which will lead to Britain’s first ever fleet of new hydrogen trains.”

The two companies have agreed to work together, sharing technical, and commercial information necessary for Alstom to design, build, commission, and support a fleet of ten three-car hydrogen multiple units (HMUs). These will be built by Alstom in Britain.

The new HMU fleet will be based on the latest evolution of the Alstom Aventra platform and the intention is that final contracts for the fleet will be signed in early 2022.

"It is important that we start sooner rather than later to decarbonise UK Rail if we are to meet the 2050 ‘net-zero’ target," said Mary Kenny, Eversholt Rail CEO. "Hydrogen propulsion will play an important role, and this project with Alstom will demonstrate how the private sector can work together to make a difference.”

The Aventra single-deck train has been developed for the requirements of mainline train operations, from high-capacity metro systems to intercity services. Aventra trains are modular, from carriage length to interior layout and design. They can be modified for different customer requirements.

Eversholt Rail and Alstom said they are committed to taking a leading role in supporting the UK and Scotland Government ambitions to decarbonise its rail sector by 2040, and the Scottish Government’s objective of doing so by 2035.