MP calls on government to invest in hydrogen rail

Hydrogen

MP for Halton, Derek Twigg, has called on the government to invest in hydrogen rail during a virtual visit to train manufacturer, Alstom.

On 31 July, during the Labour MP’s virtual visit to its Widnes site, Alstom presented the decarbonisation challenge facing the rail sector, as well as the role hydrogen rail can play in reducing UK transport emissions. The manufacturer also showcased its hydrogen train programme, in partnership with Eversholt Rail, which is looking to fast track the UK hydrogen train industry with its hydrogen powered train, Breeze.

Twigg said: “The government has a duty to realise the potential the North West holds in becoming the country’s hydrogen hub, starting with the investment in hydrogen rail such as the Breeze here in my own constituency at Widnes.”

The visit followed a recent announcement from Alstom and Eversholt Rail of a further £1mn investment to ensure Breeze is ready for early deployment, supporting the government’s need to decarbonise the rail industry.

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