Alstom’s hydrogen partnerships: pioneering together

Despite the big interest towards hydrogen fuels, no customer is ready to completely disregard the practical questions. No matter how cutting-edge, unusual or exciting a technology may be, they cannot sell without efficiency and competitiveness.

Thus, Alstom has signed an MOU with Liebherr for a fuel cells compressor. This agreement is aimed to improve performance of fuel cells, in particular by increasing their power density, and reducing their cost. Another MOU with Hynamics (EDF) is set to reduce the time needed to refuel hydrogen passenger trains.Finally, there is an MOU with Plastic Omniumfor the development of hydrogen tanks on board.

Alstom and Hynamics teams are already carrying out joint modelling and simulation work. A test bench, including a hydrogen production station, a compressor and storage racks, is under development to evaluate the behaviour of the refuelling operation under optimal observation conditions.

Brahim adds, "On top of everything else, we're also doing knowledge exchange. For scientific expertise on hydrogen, Alstom is collaborating with the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Office. We're also involved in return on experience with Safran, an aircraft and aerospace corporation which is experienced in studying all aspects of using H2 fuel."