Powering to net zero

Hitachi Rail have recently signed an exclusive agreement with Hyperdrive to develop market-leading battery packs to power zero-emission trains. The agreement has important implications for the country’s industry and innovation, and supports both the levelling up agenda and the UK’s target to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

As well as the clear environmental (and rail passenger) advantages of rail network modernisation and decarbonisation, the benefits of Hitachi Rail and Hyperdrive’s agreement extend to both the local and UK economies. Through the agreement, Hitachi Rail and Hyperdrive are spearheading domestic manufacture of battery packs while boosting employment; production of up to 30,000 battery packs a year will take place in the Sunderland factory, doubling jobs at the site and establishing the North East as a centre for battery technology, innovation and further investment.