UK's New Dawn Project: Converting Diesel Locomotive to Hydrogen-Powered Steam Technology
Key Ideas
  • Steamology completes design work to convert Class 60 diesel locomotive to a modern steam power system using hydrogen-based technology.
  • The New Dawn project aims to replace heavy diesel engines with modular high pressure steam generators burning hydrogen, offering zero-emission operation on non-electrified routes.
  • Steamology's CEO, Matt Candy, highlights the performance benefits of the steam technology over hydrogen fuel cells, with trials initiated on a boat and plans for rail and industrial sectors in North America, India, and Australia.
  • Arup, Eversholt Rail, and Freightliner are key collaborators in the project supported by funding from Innovate UK for sustainable transportation innovation.
In the UK, Steamology has finalized the design work for the New Dawn project, which involves converting a Class 60 diesel locomotive to a modern form of steam power fueled by hydrogen. This initiative, aimed at achieving zero-emission operations on routes without electrification, entails replacing the existing heavy diesel engine with a lighter system comprising modular high pressure steam generators, steam turbines, and hydrogen storage. The project's potential to use green hydrogen produced from renewable sources aligns with environmental sustainability goals. Steamology's CEO, Matt Candy, emphasized the benefits of the steam technology in terms of performance and longevity compared to hydrogen fuel cells, following successful trials on a boat. Discussions are underway for potential applications in the rail and industrial sectors globally. Key partners in the project include engineering firm Arup, leasing company Eversholt Rail, and logistics operator Freightliner, with funding from Innovate UK driving innovation in sustainable transportation.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.