Estonia, Latvia: The first public demonstration of the work of the upgraded diesel locomotive was conducted just a few days ago at the Tapa railway depot in Estonia.
The renewed traction system with hydrogen fuel cells mounted on top of the shunter is currently undergoing testing. By June, the overhaul is expected to be complete, and the first TGM4 will be ready for pilot operation.
Demo of the hydrogen-powered TGM4 shunter upgraded for the Riga port. Source: Coolergy
The project is implemented under the agreement which was signed between Spanish Coolergy (CEO Kirill Lyats) and Estonian Hanko Trans in early 2024. According to the contract, 12 TGM4 diesel locomotives, operated by DZ Loko (Latvia) at the Riga Free Port, are to be converted to hydrogen traction. The refurbished vehicles powered by liquid hydrogen will undergo pilot operation at the port. The project also provides for the construction of production and liquefaction facilities at the Eesti Energia power station in Narva, Estonia. This power station has a wind farm to ensure green manufacture of liquid hydrogen.
The refurbishment of the locomotives is conducted in partnership with the Czech company Aurora Engineering, which was in charge of the technical documentation for the conversion of the TGM4 to hydrogen, as well as for the development of the design of the prototype. The overhaul of the first vehicle was carried out at the site of Operail Repairs in Estonia.
Scheme of the hydrogen-powered TGM4 shunter. Source: Aurora Engineering
Rendering of the hydrogen-powered TGM4 shunter upgraded for the Riga port. Source: Aurora Engineering
The hydrogen traction system of the upgraded TGM4 is based on Coolergy’s modular solution, which can likewise be applied to other means of transport. As noted in the company’s official statement, a mobile version of the technology has covered 4,000 km before being installed on the locomotive. One unit with Toyota’s fuel cells has a power output of 80 kW and a weight of 320 kg. Four such generators are needed for the TGM4 to produce a total of 320 kW. Meanwhile, the hydrogen traction system with reduced power was temporarily installed to demonstrate the locomotive’s operation to the public (with LTG Cargo’s representatives among the participants). As soon as the overhaul is complete, the TGM4 will feature its full power capacity.
