Hydrogen-Powered TGM4 Locomotives to Be Introduced in Riga by 2024

The Spanish company Coolergy has begun the process of converting TGM4 series diesel locomotives to hydrogen propulsion, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The first modernized locomotive with a new hydrogen system is expected to be put into operation in the Port of Riga by the end of 2024.

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The development is being carried out in collaboration with the Czech company Aurora Engineering, which provided exterior design sketches for the future machine.

The agreement between Coolergy and the Estonian transportation company Hanko Trans was signed in early 2024. The document outlines the modernization of 12 TGM4 locomotives currently operating on the railway tracks of Riga.

The primary technical solution involves installing four Toyota-produced fuel cells, each with a capacity of 80 kW, on each locomotive. This transition to hydrogen will significantly reduce harmful emissions and improve the environmental safety of railway transport.

To implement the project, Coolergy received a grant of 500,000 euros from the Latvian Energy and Transport Competence Center (ETKC). A significant portion of the modernization work will be carried out directly in Riga.

Furthermore, the company plans to build powerful hydrogen production and liquefaction facilities in Estonia. These facilities will be capable of producing up to 2 tons of hydrogen per day, ensuring a stable fuel supply for the locomotives.

This project opens up new prospects for the use of hydrogen technologies in railway transport, highlighting the importance of transitioning to environmentally friendly energy sources.

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