Startup FCET and NextGenPropulsion joins for fuel cells in trains

Fuel Cell Enabling Technologies Inc (FCET), a US-based energy technology startup, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NextGenPropulsion LLC (NGP) to supply its fuel cells NGP light rails and freight locomotives.

FCET has developed a low-cost solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system, which can improve existing PEM designs due to its efficiency, low temperature and power density. The fuel cell technology is also considered highly efficient, making it ideal light rail and freight locomotive.

In the past, SOFC type cells were regarded as complex and uneconomical for such applications. The deal can be the first to use fuel cell in rails in the US.

NGP has done works on the hydrogen technology for trains and has experience working with the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick in the UK.