Battery Breakthrough to Help UK Train Factory Surpass Rivals

A British train factory is set to surpass European competitors after a significant breakthrough in battery technology. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Newton Aycliffe plant in County Durham has developed a new battery system capable of powering intercity trains. According to its owner, Hitachi Rail, this innovation positions the factory to challenge industry leaders.

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Hitachi Rail secured a £300m contract to supply battery-powered trains to UK operator Grand Central. This contract enables the Newton Aycliffe plant to pursue opportunities across mainland Europe, directly competing with Siemens of Germany and France’s Alstom.

Jim Brewin, head of Hitachi Rail for Britain and Ireland, stated that while domestic contracts will protect the 1,400 jobs at Newton Aycliffe, the company’s broader goal is European expansion.

He added, “We’d love to export. Many markets are evaluating their procurement strategies. If opportunities arise in Europe, we will pursue them.”

Battery Technology Sets Hitachi Apart in Europe

Hitachi’s focus on high-speed trains distinguishes it from competitors, which have primarily targeted commuter train battery solutions.

By targeting more complex applications, Hitachi aims to gain a competitive edge. Newton Aycliffe is expected to serve as a key hub for exports in northern Europe, according to the company.

This advancement follows several challenging years for the Newton Aycliffe factory, which faced setbacks due to the pandemic and ongoing discussions about the future of the UK rail network.

Originally established in 2015 with an £82m investment, the plant built 125mph express trains for the East Coast and Great Western main lines. However, by 2023, orders had slowed significantly, leading to concerns about the factory’s closure.

The Role of Battery Innovation in the Factory’s Future

A 45-train order from Grand Central provided a vital boost for the plant. Brewin noted, “This new technology is upskilling the workforce and taking us to the next level. We’re safeguarding our current team and preparing the plant for future growth.” The deal is seen as a transformative step for both the factory and its workforce.

Hitachi is collaborating with Turntide Technologies, a battery specialist based in the North East. Turntide, which also supplies Nissan’s Sunderland plant, is helping drive the development of cutting-edge battery technology at Newton Aycliffe.

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

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