Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Concord Develops 3,100-HP Hydrogen-Hybrid Locomotive From Diesel
Concord is changing an old diesel train engine into a cleaner hydrogen-powered locomotive.
The new locomotive will use both hydrogen fuel cells and batteries.
Together, these systems are planned to provide 3,100 horsepower.
Concord must also install computers, power equipment, cooling systems and safety features.
Hydrogen needs careful protection because leaks and heat can create safety problems.
The company has already operated a battery locomotive for about a year and is using what it learned.
The converted locomotive will need to work reliably during long trips and difficult railway conditions.
Concord says hydrogen may replace diesel in some places, while electric trains remain important elsewhere.
Concord Control Systems is retrofitting an ageing diesel locomotive into a 3,100-horsepower hydrogen-battery hybrid.
The project for NTPC combines a hydrogen fuel cell, battery, power electronics, controls, diagnostics, cooling and safety systems.
The locomotive is undergoing retrofit integration and technology upgrades at Concord’s Bengaluru facility.
Hydrogen-specific protections, ventilation, shutdown systems and thermal safeguards must meet railway safety requirements.
Concord expects to complete the project by early next financial year and sees hydrogen serving selected applications alongside electrification.
- Who
- Concord Control Systems is building the locomotive for NTPC, with Gaurav Lath explaining the project.
- What
- A diesel locomotive is being converted into a 3,100-horsepower hydrogen-fuel-cell and battery hybrid.
- When
- The project is targeted for completion by early the next financial year; Concord says its battery locomotive has run for about a year.
- Where
- The diesel locomotive has been moved to Concord’s works in Bengaluru for retrofit integration and technology upgrades.
- Why
- The project aims to develop an alternative-energy locomotive, extend the usefulness of an existing railway asset and identify applications where hydrogen makes economic and operational sense.
- Combined capacity
- 3,100 horsepower
- Propulsion
- Hydrogen fuel cell combined with a battery
- Project customer
- NTPC
- Hydrogen supplier
- NTPC will supply the hydrogen
- Current status
- The locomotive is undergoing retrofit integration and technology upgrades in Bengaluru
- Safety systems
- The design includes hydrogen protection, ventilation, shut-off and thermal protection
- Expected completion
- By early the next financial year, according to Concord