GB Railfreight (GBRf), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US clean technology company HyOrc Corporation to collaborate on a pilot project to retrofit part of GBRf’s older diesel locomotive fleet.
The collaboration, known as Project Phoenix, will define a pilot pathway to retrofit selected legacy diesel locomotives with HyOrc’s zero-emission-ready propulsion technology.
The project builds on HyOrc’s 1MW factory system, which has been independently assessed by Bureau Veritas. Project Phoenix proposes scaling the technology to a 3MW UK pilot. The initiative aims to replace the diesel engine of a legacy locomotive and to demonstrate a pathway for transitioning freight locomotives from diesel to alternative fuels.
According to the announcement, the phased approach would initially utilise onboard Natural Gas or LPG before transitioning to 100 per cent onboard hydrogen. The final phase would be enabled by HyOrc’s hydrogen-conditioning technology.
Alex Kirk, Commercial Director at GB Railfreight, said the project aligns with the company’s carbon reduction plan and its stated commitment to decarbonisation. He added that retrofitting part of the existing fleet with multi-fuel technology would provide a route to reducing emissions while extending the value of current assets alongside the introduction of new bi-mode Class 99 locomotives.
Lisa Carter, Chief Financial Officer of HyOrc, said the project focuses on retrofitting existing assets rather than procuring new fleets. She added that the company is exploring structured funding through the Connected Places Catapult Accelerator.
