National railway KTZ and Wabtec have signed a framework agreement for the production of hydrogen locomotives and the creation of an engineering centre at the LKZ loco factory in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The agreement was signed on September 17, 2023, when Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed plans for the development of Kazakhstan’s rail industry with Wabtec President & CEO Rafael Santana during a visit to the USA.
The agreement includes the following:
- The development and production of hydrogen locomotives at the LKZ loco factory in Astana.
- The creation of an engineering centre at LKZ to support the development and production of hydrogen locomotives.
- The purchase of 240 locomotives, including hydrogen locomotives, battery-electric locomotives, and diesel locomotives converted to liquid natural gas-power.
- The purchase of the locomotives will be funded by a US$900 million credit line from Citibank, facilitated by the US export credit agency.
The development of hydrogen locomotives is a significant step forward for Kazakhstan’s railway industry. Hydrogen locomotives are clean and sustainable, and they can help to reduce Kazakhstan’s reliance on fossil fuels. The creation of an engineering centre at LKZ will also help to develop Kazakhstan’s expertise in hydrogen locomotive technology.
The development of hydrogen locomotives in Kazakhstan has the potential to have a significant impact on the country’s economy and environment.
Hydrogen locomotives are clean and sustainable, and they can help to reduce Kazakhstan’s greenhouse gas emissions. This is important because Kazakhstan is a major oil and gas producer, and the country has a high carbon footprint.
The development of hydrogen locomotives will also create jobs and boost Kazakhstan’s economy. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs at the LKZ loco factory and in the supply chain.
