Work has commenced at a Tyneside factory on the production of advanced battery systems designed to power trains, marking a significant development in the UK's rail industry. Turntide Technologies, based in Team Valley, has secured a contract from County Durham’s Hitachi Rail UK to manufacture modular batteries for Arriva’s Grand Central services, which operate routes between Sunderland, London, and Bradford.

This initiative builds on a £10 million partnership announced in 2022 between Turntide and Hitachi Rail UK, which has recently concluded its research and development phase. The new battery systems are expected to be integrated into Hitachi’s new trains, currently under construction at Newton Aycliffe, as well as retrofitted across over 600 existing locomotives in Hitachi’s UK fleet.

Turntide’s batteries are engineered to provide higher power density equivalent to that of diesel engines while occupying the same spatial footprint. The technology promises to reduce operational costs and extend train range by cutting fuel consumption by an estimated 30% to 50%. It also aims to decrease noise and air pollution, contributing to more environmentally friendly rail transport options.

Steve Hornyak, CEO of Turntide Technologies, highlighted the growing demand for hybrid and electric solutions in passenger rail, attributing this trend to operators’ and passengers’ increasing desire to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. He noted that the transition from concept to production reflects years of collaboration with Hitachi to enable quieter, more fuel-efficient rail travel across the UK.

Hitachi Rail has previously indicated plans to incorporate battery technology into future rail projects, especially as it competes for new contracts. Approximately 50% of the global rail network currently depends on diesel power, but “tri-mode” systems—capable of drawing energy from diesel engines, batteries, and overhead electrical lines—are viewed as a practical and cost-effective alternative to full rail electrification.

Koji Agatsuma, chief technology officer for vehicles at Hitachi Rail, emphasized that the UK already possesses the manufacturing capability for battery trains, primarily through the North East facility at Newton Aycliffe. He cited Hitachi’s £30 million investment, successful trial programmes, and skilled workforce as critical enablers in advancing the technology from concept to commercial reality. Agatsuma also pointed to Hitachi’s HMAX for Rail digital platform, which optimizes energy efficiency by managing battery charging to align with renewable energy availability and grid demand.

Paul Hutchings, managing director of rail services at Arriva, expressed pride in being the first operator to adopt Turntide’s battery technology. He noted that Arriva’s £300 million investment in a new tri-mode fleet, scheduled to join Grand Central services by 2028, will deliver low-emission, more comfortable trains with increased capacity. Hutchings emphasized that this development supports sustainable travel initiatives while enhancing service quality across the network.