Hyundai Rotem has taken its first step toward supplying hydrogen-powered trams to Egypt's New Administrative Capital.
On October 7, Hyundai Rotem signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Egyptian National Tunneling Authority (NAT) during the Korea-Egypt Business Roundtable held at The Grand Lotte in Seoul. The agreement aims to establish a hydrogen-powered tram system in the new capital.
Attendees at the signing ceremony included Egypt's Minister of Transport Kamel Al-Wazir, Minister of Trade and Industry Kim Jeong-kwan, South Korean Ambassador to Egypt Kim Wan-jung, and Hyundai Rotem CEO Lee Yong-bae.
Under the MOU, Hyundai Rotem will collaborate with the tunneling authority to explore the supply of hydrogen-powered trams for the New Administrative Capital, a large smart city being constructed approximately 35 kilometers east of Cairo. Plans are currently being reviewed to introduce 44 hydrogen-powered trams along a 28-kilometer route. A preliminary feasibility study is underway, and if the project is confirmed, it will encompass everything from vehicle supply to operation, system construction, and maintenance.
This agreement marks Hyundai Rotem's first foray into the international market for hydrogen-powered trams. These trams generate electricity using hydrogen fuel cells installed in the vehicles, eliminating the need for overhead power lines and producing only water as a byproduct during operation. They also feature a function to filter fine dust from the air.
Once the supply is confirmed, it is expected to aid the overseas expansion of South Korea's hydrogen and railway industries. Hyundai Rotem plans to target the global hydrogen-powered tram market in conjunction with HTWO, Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen brand and business platform.
A Hyundai Rotem official stated, "We will establish a hydrogen-powered tram business model optimized for local operations and work closely with the tunneling authority until the project is confirmed."
Meanwhile, Hyundai Rotem completed the development of its hydrogen-powered tram in 2023 and finished testing in Ulsan the following year. The company is currently pursuing projects to supply hydrogen-powered trams for Daejeon's Line 2 and Ulsan's Jangsaengpo Line.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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