What would a steam locomotive look like if it were designed in 2025? The “New Dawn” project by UK-based Steamology has the answer. And it is a zero-emission alternative on non-electrified lines.
This innovative project has just completed its design phase, and a decision will soon be made to create a prototype by refurbishing a class 60 diesel-electric locomotive manufactured in the late 1980s.
The conversion would replace the diesel engine with a lighter system of high-pressure steam generators burning hydrogen, steam turbines and gas storage. The locomotive could use green hydrogen from renewable energy to generate electricity to power the traction engines.
Matt Candy, CEO of Steamology, says the technology could offer better performance and longer life than hydrogen fuel cells. The project involves Arup, which is providing engineering services, Eversholt Rail, which would supply the donor locomotive, and Freightliner, which is providing operational expertise.
If the prototype proceeds, the conversion is planned for 2025. Testing is expected to take between 18 and 24 months.
