Alstom takes over Cummins rail fuel cell activities

Alstom hydrogen fuel cell acquisition adds Cummins’ rail engineering, product development and support capabilities. Those capabilities are used in the company’s hydrogen-powered train fleets.

The company said the move is intended to strengthen support for existing operations. In addition, it is meant to complete ongoing development programmes linked to hydrogen traction technology.

Alstom hydrogen fuel cell acquisition and fleet support

Danny Di Perna, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Alstom, said:

Bringing these hydrogen fuel cell activities into Alstom gives us the capabilities we need to support reliability growth and maintenance for our installed fleet and to conclude the development of our contracted programs. Our approach is focused and disciplined, with a clear priority on what matters most. We want to remain closely aligned with our customers’ operational needs and provide the support they expect as they move toward greener traction solutions.

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The move brings those fuel cell capabilities into its own operations. Alstom aims to manage development processes more directly. It also aims to support the reliability and maintenance of its current fleet. The acquisition will also contribute to meeting contractual obligations. Those markets include Germany, Italy and France.

Hydrogen traction technology and rail use cases

Hydrogen-powered trains are being developed for rail networks without cost-effective full electrification. Battery technology has progressed in recent years. Still, hydrogen systems remain in use on longer-distance routes and lines without overhead power infrastructure.

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