DiGas is currently seeking a Seed Extension funding of 4 million euros for a 24-month period (may be split in stages). The funding is to be used for development and demonstration of fuel cell powered locomotive propulsion system capable to work on Hydrogen and other gaseous fuels. The product will allow railway operators and OEMs to transform the railway fleets to carbon neutral operations.

NYSMART dual-fuel system is at TRL9 being fully tested and certified. DiGas started the product market roll out with public and private railways. The next steps will ensure a fuel cell propulsion system development and demonstration for locomotives in the next two years.

DiGas system is build based on the principle of modular versatile modules, which are combined for specific application or customer needs. It can be fast and easily applied to virtually any locomotive type, both new and used ones thus creating business potential on the aftermarket and with OEMs. Currently, there are around 100k diesel locomotives in service, which we are targeting in Europe and Americas. Having a product in place for cost effective retrofitting of 4 most widely available locomotive types, DiGas is targeting 30% of the market share already now. Planned development of the hydrogen fuel cell propulsion will create a potential in the remaining market share.

DiGas first has implemented certification approach for alternative fuels powered locomotives approved by EU and international authorities. System components manufacturing is diversified by agreements with alternative suppliers. Development of the system was done with international legislation in mind, technical documentation and business process to allow replicability and localization of the manufacturing in all target markets.

DiGas products are economically feasible for railway operators and manufacturers, resulting in shortest IRR in the industry. Emission reduction of the current product is significant in terms of local and global impact, while development of the new products will lead to carbon neutral railway operations on scale. Additional advantage is that existing locomotives lifecycle will be extended to additional 20-40 years avoiding the excessive costs and raw materials for new units production.