<p>Rolls-Royce is teaming up with Porterbrook to identify and develop 
technological innovations to reduce carbon emissions and improve air 
quality across the rail network. The two companies, who have signed a 
memorandum of understanding, will investigate the potential for the use 
of synthetic and net zero fuels, including hydrogen, both in fuel cells 
and internal combustion engines. Building on their recent success of 
jointly introducing hybrid battery-diesel railcars into passenger 
service, the two companies will also explore the potential for advanced 
hybridisation. </p>
<p>The relationship also includes considering the role of the wider rail
 ecosystem in decarbonisation, including fuel chain supply, 
infrastructure and operational models that can aid innovation and the 
transition to net zero.</p>
<p>The UK’s railway accounts for approximately 1% of all domestic 
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions* and the Government’s ambition is to 
remove all diesel-only trains – both passenger and freight – from the 
network by 2040 and achieve a net zero rail network by 2050. The UK 
Government has identified a number of different routes to this target 
including alternative forms of power such as hydrogen, fuel cells, 
batteries, hybrid-electric and sustainable fuels.</p>
<p><strong>Warren East, CEO, Rolls-Royce, said</strong>: <br></p>
<blockquote>“We have extensive experience of rail technology and are 
able to draw upon expertise from across our business in new net zero and
 zero emissions technologies for safety critical applications. We are 
committed to helping our customers make the transition to net zero by 
enabling them to use our current and future products in a way that is 
compatible with emissions reduction, and this relationship with 
Porterbrook will help us further understand the options for 
decarbonising rail transport. For us, playing a leading role in enabling
 the energy transition is both a societal imperative and a very 
significant commercial opportunity.”</blockquote>
<p><strong>Mary Grant, CEO, Porterbrook, said:</strong> <br></p>
<blockquote>“We have been at the forefront of developing alternative 
traction systems for rolling stock over recent years, through our 
innovations and long-term asset management approach. Our partnership 
with Rolls-Royce will mean that we continue to lead the UK’s rail sector
 in sustainable solutions, by leveraging expertise across industries on 
the pathway to net zero.”</blockquote>
<p>Rolls-Royce, through its Power Systems business, has decades of 
experience in providing drive solutions for rail with its mtu-branded 
engines in service across five continents. The company has been 
developing new sustainable solutions including the hybrid-electric mtu 
Hybrid PowerPack for rail use. This technology recently entered 
commercial service in the UK with Chiltern Railways on HybridFLEX 
trains, supplied by Porterbrook, which reduce CO<sub>2</sub> emissions 
by up to 25%. Power Systems is already developing a range of engines for
 power generation which can run on hydrogen; and is working on fuel 
cells – that produce electricity – to be used as reliable power supply 
in ships and heavy-duty off-highway vehicles. Last year, Power Systems 
committed to release new generations of its most popular diesel engines 
for use with sustainable fuels by 2023, this includes mtu Series 4000 
engines which are today used in locomotives operating in conditions as 
varied as Siberia and the Australian outback. From next year it plans to
 have conversion kits available which enable mtu Series 4000 engines to 
run on 100% hydrogen.</p>
<p>Porterbrook owns almost a quarter of the national passenger rail 
fleet and currently has around 4,000 vehicles on lease or on order. The 
business has an established reputation for delivering new technologies, 
such as battery, hybrid and hydrogen powered trains. Alongside the 
HybridFLEX and other hybrid trains in commercial service, the company 
has developed HydroFLEX, the first hydrogen-powered train to run on the 
UK’s mainline network. It can operate under electric, battery and 
hydrogen power, making it the world’s first ‘tri-mode’ train. 
Porterbrook was recently named Transport Sector Leader in the annual 
Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) assessment, where 
real estate and infrastructure organisations across the world are 
compared based on their environmental, social and governance (ESG) 
performance. </p>
<p><em>*2019 figures. UK Department for Transport: Decarbonising Transport, 2021</em></p>
<p><strong>For further information, please contact:</strong></p>
<h5> </h5>
<h4>James McGowan</h4>
<p>Director of Corporate Affairs, Porterbrook </p>
<p>Tel +44 (0) 7932 749095</p>
<p>James.McGowan@porterbrook.co.uk </p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Simon Evans </h4>
<p>Partner, Portland Communications</p>
<p>Tel +44 (0)7812 590 682</p>
<p>Simon.Evans@Portland-Communications.com </p>
<h4>Richard Brooks</h4>
<p>Consultant, Portland Communications</p>
<p>Tel +44 (0) 7740 858477</p>
<p>Richard.Brooks@Portland-Communications.com</p>
<p><a href="http://www.porterbrook.co.uk">www.porterbrook.co.uk</a> </p>