Kazakhstan: The 2040 hydrogen energy development strategy includes this item, and a relevant draft decree of the country’s government is currently under public discussion.
The strategy also includes the development of prototype hydrogen railway and road vehicles as priority pilot projects.
The activities in this field are already in place. Last year, the national operator Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and Wabtec signed a framework agreement on strategic cooperation. in addition to a credit loan for the purchase of locomotives. The agreement provides for the construction of hydrogen locomotives and the establishment of an engineering centre to ensure technology transfer at the Kazakhstan-based Wabtec subsidiary, Locomotive Kurastyru Zauyty.
Wabtec has been developing hydrogen vehicles for several years, working on using both hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen-diesel mix in engines. Other manufacturers supplying Kazakhstan are also engaged in research and development of hydrogen rolling stock. French Alstom plans to offer hydrogen tenders for electric locomotives. Chinese CRRC has started pilot operation of a 1,000 kW hydrogen locomotive. Russian TMH develops various hydrogen and hybrid vehicles, while Sinara – Transport Machines is working on a hydrogen shunting locomotive.
