Vanguard’s HydroSHUNTER locomotive showcases the future of rail decarbonisation, demonstrating how legacy rolling stock can be revitalised with cutting-edge, zero-carbon technology.

The UK’s first HydroSHUNTER

HydroSHUNTER makes use of Vanguard’s bespoke NEO1 powertrain which interfaces seamlessly with the original vehicle’s electric traction system. A uniquely specified combination of modular onboard elements including hydrogen storage, a hydrogen fuel-cell and a traction battery provide DC power to the traction motors in place of the original diesel engine.

The HydroSHUNTER is built on a Class 08 locomotive at the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) in Kidderminster. SVR’s expert engineers restored the legacy equipment, while the Vanguard team installed the brand-new drivetrain.

Many Class 08 locomotives face decommissioning as their original engines become obsolete, despite the continued reliability of their traction motors. Building on the HydroSHUNTER’s design, Vanguard has developed new safety standards for hydrogen use in rail, paving the way for a fully mainline-approved version. The company also hopes HydroSHUNTER will inspire operators to reduce their carbon footprints, lower costs, and extend fleet lifespans through the adoption of NEO1 technology.

By late 2024, the team had completed all low-voltage tests, aiming to get the wheels turning for the first time on battery power alone in early 2025. Progress remained steady, accelerating in preparation for the January 2025 launch event. Following successful battery testing, work will begin on integrating the hydrogen storage and fuel cell, with final commissioning planned for later in 2025.

HydroSHUNTER has attracted global interest among rail operators not just for the ecological benefits, but for the long-term commercial advantages that come with prolonging existing fleets that would otherwise be replaced with more expensive, diesel-burning alternatives. As such, it is Vanguard’s intention to scale the NEO1 drivetrain to meet the demands of larger locomotives to an international market.

The HydroSHUNTER project aims not only to be a beacon for the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology within rail, but also to act as a testbed for new technologies with plans already in place to integrate solid metal hydrides-based fuel storage early next year.

For more information on HydroSHUNTER, contact comms@vanguardsts.com

*Dependent on specification and duty cycle.