Development of experimental hydrogen-powered transportation prototypes in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan plans to have hydrogen-powered rolling stock prototypes ready by 2033, in line with the implementation plan for the hydrogen energy development concept until 2040, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The relevant resolution project of the Government of Kazakhstan is currently under public discussion.

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The creation of experimental hydrogen-powered railway and automotive transportation prototypes is highlighted in the concept as one of the priority pilot projects.

The implementation of such propulsion was announced in 2023 as part of the strategic cooperation between the national carrier ‘Kazakhstan Temir Zholy’ and the American Wabtec.

According to the agreement, the ‘Locomotive Kurastyru Zauyty’ (LKZ) plant is planned to produce hydrogen locomotives and establish an engineering center for technology transfer.

Wabtec has been conducting hydrogen propulsion developments for several years, using both fuel cells and hydrogen-diesel blends in internal combustion engines.

Photo: Wabtec

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