A new partnership between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and UK-based ITM Power aims to push green hydrogen into the heart of European rail transport. The two companies will work jointly to scale up hydrogen infrastructure and integrate zero-emission solutions across DB’s vast network.
With a fleet of over 1,300 diesel locomotives, DB has committed to hydrogen-powered alternatives by 2050. This latest collaboration brings ITM’s electrolyser technology into play, helping develop green hydrogen pathways, supply chains, and operational frameworks tailored for rail.
The move follows DB’s €40 million deal in 2023 with CaetanoBus for 60 hydrogen buses, underlining a broader commitment to decarbonising transport. ITM Power, already recognised for its green hydrogen capabilities, will share expertise and co-develop pilot programmes to test hydrogen integration in real-world scenarios.
While hydrogen-powered trains are already on track in parts of Europe, scaling them remains complex. Regional operators like EVB and RMV have faced setbacks from fuel supply issues and component reliability. Still, DB’s backing and ITM’s tech may accelerate breakthroughs.
This partnership coincides with another major win for ITM Power, which saw its shares jump 18% after securing a contract to supply over 300MW of electrolysers for a green hydrogen project in the Asia-Pacific region. The project, aimed at decarbonising power generation, reinforces ITM’s growing global influence in clean energy technology and positions it as a leader in delivering scalable hydrogen solutions.
As Europe leans into green transport to meet net-zero targets, such public-private alliances could become the blueprint for climate-forward infrastructure.
Invinity Energy Systems, a British manufacturer of vanadium flow batteries, has partnered with UK-based energy infrastructure developer Frontier Power to…
The UK’s energy sector is poised for a significant transformation with the upcoming launch of the Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) Cap & Floor scheme. Jointly announced by Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), this initiative aims to bolster the integration of renewable energy sources by supporting large-scale energy storage projects.
Key Features of the Scheme
Minimum Storage Duration: Projects must provide a minimum of eight hours of continuous rated power, an increase from the previously proposed six-hour threshold.
Project Capacity Requirements: Stream 1 targets well-established technologies with a minimum capacity of 100 MW, while Stream 2 caters to emerging technologies with a minimum capacity of 50 MW.
Revenue Assurance: The cap and floor mechanism ensures that projects receive a minimum revenue (floor) while capping maximum earnings, providing financial stability over a 20-25 year period.
Implications for Energy Storage Companies
The scheme is expected to have a profound impact on various stakeholders within the energy storage sector:
Invinity Energy Systems: The company’s vanadium flow batteries align with the scheme’s objectives, offering scalable solutions for long-duration energy storage.
ITM Power PLC: Specializing in green hydrogen production, ITM Power could see indirect benefits from increased grid stability and renewable energy storage solutions.
Gresham House Energy Storage Fund PLC: Focused on grid-scale battery storage, Gresham House is poised to expand its portfolio under the LDES scheme, supporting renewable energy integration.
SSE’s Coire Glas Project: The £1.5 billion pumped storage hydro project at Loch Lochy stands to benefit from the scheme, potentially doubling the UK’s storage capacity to 30 GWh.
Harmony Energy Income Trust PLC: As a specialist in large-scale battery storage projects, Harmony Energy is well-positioned to participate in the scheme, leveraging its expertise to enhance grid stability.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
By facilitating the deployment of long-duration storage solutions, the LDES Cap & Floor scheme aims to:
Enhance Grid Stability: Balancing supply and demand, particularly with the increasing integration of intermittent renewable energy sources.
Reduce Consumer Costs: Minimizing the need for expensive grid upgrades and reliance on fossil fuel-based peaking plants.
Promote Sustainability: Supporting the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through the adoption of clean energy technologies.
The scheme’s application window is set to open in April 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the UK’s transition towards a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
Invinity Energy Systems, a British manufacturer of vanadium flow batteries, has partnered with UK-based energy infrastructure developer Frontier Power to…
BMW has suspended its planned £600 million investment to produce electric Mini cars at its Cowley plant in Oxford, citing multiple uncertainties in the automotive industry. This decision raises concerns about the future of the historic plant and reflects broader challenges in the UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
The UK government has set ambitious targets for EV adoption, aiming to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030. However, automakers have expressed concerns about these stringent mandates, especially given the slower-than-expected growth in EV demand. In response, the government launched a consultation in December 2024 to seek industry views on adjusting the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires a specific percentage of new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles each year. The consultation aims to provide clarity and support to manufacturers during this transition.
Despite a 21.4% increase in battery electric vehicle sales in 2024, the UK market share for EVs reached only 19.6%, falling short of the government’s 22% target. Manufacturers have invested heavily in consumer incentives, offering over £4.5 billion in discounts throughout 2024 to boost adoption. However, these efforts have been deemed unsustainable in the long term, prompting calls for additional government support and infrastructure development to encourage consumers to switch to electric vehicles.
The broader automotive industry is evolving rapidly, with different propulsion technologies competing for dominance. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) remain at the forefront, but Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) are also gaining traction. PHEVs, such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Chevrolet Volt, offer a bridge between petrol and electric propulsion, providing flexibility for consumers wary of range limitations. BEVs, meanwhile, are benefiting from advancements in battery technology, with companies like NanoXplore developing graphene-based solutions to enhance performance.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is also advancing, with BMW investing in its first hydrogen-powered vehicle, the iX5 Hydrogen, set for launch in 2028. Other automakers, such as Toyota and Hyundai, are also exploring hydrogen-powered solutions to complement battery-electric models. However, infrastructure challenges remain, particularly in hydrogen refueling networks and green hydrogen production. Companies like ITM Power are working on electrolysis systems to produce hydrogen more sustainably, but widespread adoption will require significant investment.
BMW’s decision also reflects concerns over potential tariffs on imported vehicles. The company had planned to produce new electric Mini models in collaboration with China’s Great Wall Motor. However, higher tariffs imposed by the European Union on Chinese EV imports have impacted these plans, adding to the uncertainties surrounding the investment.
This development underscores the complex interplay of policy, market demand, and international trade in the UK’s journey toward sustainable transportation. It highlights the need for coordinated efforts between the government and industry stakeholders to address these challenges and facilitate a smoother transition to electric vehicles.
Invinity Energy Systems, a British manufacturer of vanadium flow batteries, has partnered with UK-based energy infrastructure developer Frontier Power to…
