Alstom, partners secure federal funds of around $16m for hybrid train tech

New York Senator Charles (Chuck) Schumer has announced a federal investment of nearly $16m aimed at advancing the Hybrid Locomotive Project to develop battery technology for hybrid trains.

A total of $15.98m has been allocated to Steuben County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), in partnership with Norfolk Southern Railway, Binghamton University’s New Energy New York (NENY) consortium, and Alstom.

The Steuben County IDA’s Federal Railroad Administration’s Hybrid Locomotive Project aims to leverage new battery technology in the production and testing of two hybrid, battery-diesel locomotives at Alstom’s Kanona facility in Bath, in New York State.

The project is set to utilise batteries as the primary power source, thus enhancing safety and climate resilience.

“This nearly $16 million in federal funding puts Steuben County IDA and its partners – including Alstom, a national leader in cutting-edge rail development – on track to develop new state-of-the-art hybrid locomotives that will enhance rail safety and improve climate resilience,” said Senator Schumer.

“I’ve led the charge to establish the Southern Tier as a hub for battery manufacturing and research & development, and today’s investment will boost efforts to make sure the next generation of rail technology is stamped ‘Made in Upstate NY.