Türkiye: Hydrogen-Powered Train Enters R&D Phase, Türkiye and UK Jointly Advance Green Rail Vision

Recently, Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure signed a cooperation agreement with British partners, marking the official launch of the R&D phase for Türkiye’s hydrogen-powered train project. This initiative represents a significant step in green rail collaboration between the two countries.

Under the agreement, the Turkish National Railway Vehicle Manufacturer (TÜRASAŞ) will serve as the overall coordinator, responsible for the development and delivery of the prototype. TÜRASAŞ will retain full intellectual property rights, positioning itself as the owner and R&D center of the hydrogen train project. On the technical front, the UK will leverage the expertise of its renowned academic institutions and specialized organizations to provide key technical support and knowledge transfer. This collaboration will focus on core areas such as fuel cell system integration, system architecture design, power electronics, energy management, and operational safety, assisting Türkiye in overcoming critical challenges in hydrogen train development.

Turkish authorities stated that the project aims to enhance domestic engineering capabilities and establish a local technological system for hydrogen traction. By leveraging the clean and low-noise attributes of hydrogen, the initiative seeks to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution in rail transport while improving passenger comfort. As a key component of Türkiye’s green transportation strategy, the project aligns with the nation’s long-term vision to develop internationally competitive, homegrown solutions. The goal is to position TÜRASAŞ as a regional hub for hydrogen rail technology.