Coolergy and Hanko Trans to convert diesel shunters to hydrogen power

Spanish liquid hydrogen solutions provider, Coolergy and Estonian transport firm Hanko Trans have signed a contract for the modernization and retrofit of 12 TGM4 diesel-powered shunting locomotives to liquefied hydrogen.

he TGM4 locomotives are owned by Hanko Trans and operate in the post of Riga, Latvia.

The modernization and conversion of these vehicles from diesel to liquefied hydrogen is expected to reduce Hanko’s fuel costs by 50% and eliminate emissions, along with improving the locomotives’ design and ergonomic characteristics, Coolergy noted.

Modernization and conversion of the first diesel locomotive to liquefied hydrogen is expected to be completed by September 2024. The contract is in line with the Riga Seaport’s 2030 carbon neutrality transition program.

Coolergy will build a hydrogen production and liquefaction facility with a capacity of 1 ton of LH2 per week in one of the Baltic countries. It is assumed that wind energy will be used to produce hydrogen. Negotiations are currently underway with owners of wind farms in Estonia and Latvia, the firm noted.