The train was handed over to the university at this week’s Destination Decarbonisation event at the Long Marston railway centre. The event, which was sponsored by Porterbrook, focussed on reducing the carbon footprint of Britain’s railway industry.

As a result of the deal, Porterbrook will become a full partner in the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN). Porterbrook will continue its research and innovation partnership with Birmingham University, which resulted in proving the concept of Britain’s first hydrogen-powered main line train, HydroFlex, earlier this year.