Türkiye, UK Partner on Hydrogen Train: TÜRASAŞ to Own IP

Türkiye and the UK collaborate on a hydrogen-powered train prototype, led by TÜRASAŞ. The project focuses on R&D, aiming for domestic tech and regional export.

January 26, 2026 10:39 am

🛑 Key Takeaways:

Türkiye’s national rail company, TÜRASAŞ, has signed a cooperation protocol with UK partners to develop a hydrogen-powered train prototype.
The project is R&D-focused; financial details and a timeline have not been disclosed. TÜRASAŞ will hold 100% of the intellectual property rights.
The initiative aims to build a domestic hydrogen rail technology base in Türkiye, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and positioning TÜRASAŞ as a future regional exporter.

ANKARA – Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has formalized a partnership with the United Kingdom to develop a hydrogen-powered train. The national rail company, TÜRASAŞ, will coordinate the research and development project, produce the prototype at its Eskişehir facility, and retain full intellectual property rights.

Category	Specification / Detail
Project / Model	Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train Prototype
Value / Budget	Not disclosed
Key Stakeholders	TÜRASAŞ (Project Coordinator, IP Holder), Turkish Ministry of Transport, UK Government (Technical Expertise)
Production Site	TÜRASAŞ facility, Eskişehir, Türkiye
Project Focus	Research & Development, Technology Transfer
Intellectual Property	100% held by TÜRASAŞ

Operational & Technical Details

Specific performance metrics for the prototype have not been released. The cooperation focuses on knowledge transfer from UK academic and specialized organizations to TÜRASAŞ. This transfer will cover critical areas of hydrogen propulsion technology.

Key areas of UK technical contribution include fuel cell system integration, overall system architecture, power electronics, and energy management software. The protocol also covers operational safety standards for hydrogen-based traction systems. Minister of Transport Abdulkadir Uraloğlu confirmed TÜRASAŞ will function as the prototyping center for the project.

Market Impact Analysis

This project is a strategic move by Ankara to establish a sovereign industrial capability in hydrogen rail technology. By ensuring TÜRASAŞ owns the intellectual property, Türkiye aims to reduce long-term dependence on established global manufacturers like Alstom or Siemens for zero-emission rolling stock.

The government’s stated ambition is to transform TÜRASAŞ into a regional hub for hydrogen-based railway technologies. A successful prototype could position the company as a competitive technology supplier to neighboring markets in the Balkans, Caucasus, and Middle East, aligning with Türkiye’s broader green transport and industrial development strategies.

FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the main value of this contract?

The financial value has not been disclosed. The primary value is strategic, focused on technology transfer and establishing a domestic hydrogen rail industry with TÜRASAŞ holding the intellectual property.

When is the expected completion date?

A timeline or expected completion date for the prototype has not been provided by the involved parties.