Think Railways

Ballard Power Systems has announced that it has signed a framework agreement with Tangshan Railway Vehicle Company, Limited (TRC) for development of a new fuel cell module that will be designed to meet the requirements of tram or Ground Transport Vehicle (GTV) applications.

The framework agreement contemplates that TRC trams will use next-generation Ballard fuel cell power modules designed specifically for this application. Initial work is expected to involve Technology Solutions provided by Ballard to assist in the design and integration of a fuel cell power module into TRC tram equipment, with the goal of powering a GTV prototype in 2016.

TRC was established in 1881 as China’s first manufacturer of locomotives and rolling stock. In its nearly three-centuries of operation the company has delivered a number of important “firsts” in China, including the first: locomotive; passenger train; freight wagon; inspection train; titling train; and 70% low-floor light rail train. In January 2011, TRC also recorded the world’s fastest railway test speed of 487.3 kilometers per hour (302 miles per hour).

In aggregate, TRC has manufactured more than 10,000 trains throughout its long history. Headquartered in Tangshan, Hebei province of China, today TRC offers a range of electric train cars and magnetic levitation products as well as technologies for electric multiple unit (EMU) system integration and network controls.