<h1>World leading hydrogen retrofit innovation</h1>
<p>HydroFLEX is the world’s first train retrofitted to operate under 
hydrogen power and the first hydrogen powered train on Britain’s 
railway. Uniquely, it is capable of drawing power from overhead wires 
and where these don’t exist, operating in self powered mode using 
hydrogen, fuel cells and batteries. HydroFLEX is the result of a 
ground-breaking collaboration between Porterbrook and the University of 
Birmingham.</p>
<p>Following successful mainline testing of the HydroFLEX in September 
2020, Porterbrook has partnered with the University of Birmingham and 
Network Rail to build a new version of the HydroFLEX, capable of 
replicating the duty cycles of the diesel trains it aims to replace. </p>
<p>The new HydroFLEX will offer delegates attending November’s COP26 in 
Glasgow the opportunity to travel on a hydrogen powered train that will 
also showcase the best of UK engineering. Following the conference, 
HydroFLEX will be used to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen traction
 to transport authorities across the UK nations and regions</p>