Hitachi Rail and Alstom begin their joint venture building HS2
Hitachi and Alstom are set to innovate Britain's most important train, this 100% electric, lower carbon alternative will be one of the world's most energy efficient, high-speed trains.
Hitachi aims to achieve carbon neutrality, a society that uses water and other resources efficiently, and harmony with nature by 2050. Hitachi Solutions, as a proud member of the Hitachi group is delighted to hear of the recent win order for Hitachi and Alstom, to build and maintain the fastest and most energy efficient train in Europe, the High Speed Two.
Hailed Britain’s most important train, this 100% electric lower carbon alternative will be one of the world’s most energy efficient, high-speed trains.
As well as the environmental benefit, the new venture will help boost the economy, creating thousands of green jobs. It will be supported by a British workforce of 9,000 and an extensive supply chain which will create a further 2,000 indirect jobs elsewhere in the UK.
Further upskilling of the workforce through multi-million-pound investment from Hitachi Rail and Alstom, will deliver £1.1 billion GVA to the UK economy during the manufacturing phase alone, according to Oxford economics. Also expanding the sophistication of the UK’s current train building capability.
In addition, the train maintenance phase will create over 100 new jobs at Washwood Heath in Birmingham, the contract will provide a launch pad for new investment in education and learning, adding to the existing partnerships with local schools and the 200 apprentices and graduates. Hitachi and Alstom have also committed £5million in research and development spending with UK universities.
Edward Pikett, Director of Central Government, Technology and Transformation commented;
“Hitachi’s commitment to developing an environmentally sustainable future is at the fore front of everything we do. As a business, the social value we create must sit in harmony with financial return, and this project is exemplar of that balance.”
For Hitachi Solutions, Hitachi’s dedication to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and positively impacting society through superior technology highlights the strong values our business is built on, specifically our pioneering spirit.