Projects

Project:

Assessing the Potential of Hydrogen for Rail Decarbonisation

Location:

Scotland

Client:

Arcola Energy

Meeting ambitious decarbonisation targets presents a significant challenge for transport operators, as achieving net zero requires a complex and systemic transition. Rail networks in many countries rely on a combination of electrification and legacy diesel rolling stock, making the shift to emissions-free operations particularly demanding.

For sections of the network still dependent on diesel, the prospect of zero-emission operation may seem distant. However, in a recent joint venture project, Sentinel ECC have been actively exploring hydrogen as a potential replacement fuel. Our research evaluates whether converting existing diesel-powered trains to operate on green hydrogen can provide a commercially viable, safe, and effective pathway to decarbonisation.

While hydrogen-powered trains are not a new concept—having been trialled in several countries, with operational services already in place in Germany—their widespread adoption remains in its early stages. The transition to hydrogen-powered rail presents a promising opportunity for sustainable transport, yet it also requires significant modifications to existing infrastructure and operational frameworks. Through this work, we aim to assess the feasibility of hydrogen as a transformative solution for a cleaner, more sustainable rail network.

Please stay tuned for more updates and information relating to the outcome of this study.

Project:

Developing a low carbon train specification for ScotRail

Location:

Scotland

Client:

ScotRail

ScotRail is advancing its long-term strategy to transition from diesel rolling stock to a modern suburban fleet comprising a combination of electric multiple units and battery-electric multiple units (BEMU).

This next-generation fleet will enhance service reliability, safety, and accessibility for passengers while aligning with the Scottish Government’s decarbonisation objectives.

Our rolling stock procurement team is supporting ScotRail in the acquisition of this new fleet, scheduled to enter passenger service between 2028 and 2030, strengthening connectivity around the Edinburgh area.

As ScotRail’s technical advisor for train procurement, we are providing strategic support across multiple key areas. This includes the development and rigorous validation of the pre-qualification questionnaire and invitation to negotiate documentation through market engagement activities, ‘day in the life’ sessions, and stakeholder workshops. Furthermore, we have established governance frameworks and an overarching evaluation strategy to ensure a structured and efficient procurement process. Our involvement will continue throughout the full evaluation period, ensuring the successful delivery of ScotRail’s new fleet.

Project:

Transpennine Route Upgrade, York to Leeds Station

Location:

Tadcaster

Client:

TRUe Alliance joint venture made up of Network Rail, VolkerRail, J Murphy & Sons and Siemens

Area Covered:

13,991m2

On behalf of Murphy and as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade delivered by the TRUe Alliance, Sentinel ECC installed compounds and access routes at three key locations—Moor Lane, Braegate Lane, and Tadcaster Road—to support ongoing electrification works.

Sentinel ECC was initially approached due to the project's need for a fast and efficient solution. Given the challenges of wet weather and seasonal flooding in the region, Maintenance-Free Surface Armouring was chosen for its durability and cost-effectiveness over the scheme’s three-year duration.

The fixed-cost solution, with no maintenance requirements, provided a significant advantage over traditional stone methods, which often incur high costs for replenishment and upkeep.

By adhering to rigorous testing standards and strict on-site protocols, Sentinel ECC successfully installed its solution ahead of schedule, ensuring a reliable and resilient foundation for the project.

Project:

Hinkley 400kV OHL Transmission Scheme

Location:

From Bridgwater to Seabank

Client:

National Grid and on behalf of Balfour Beatty

Area Covered:

175,0000m²

Duration:

3 Years

Scope:

80 Piling Mats at Approx. 75,000m² and 25,000 Linear Metres of 4m Haul Routes

As part of the National Grid Hinkley Point nuclear power station project, Balfour Beatty required the installation of 80 piling mats and more than 250,000 linear metres of 4 metre wide haul routes with passing bays to facilitate power transmission cabling.

Sentinel ECC was approached because of its innovative engineering solutions, which brought several benefits to the scheme. Notably, it allowed for a design featuring a 350mm subbase constructed from on-site soils paired with a 100mm Type 1 stone overlay on the piling mats. This approach saved 650mm of imported material compared to the traditional design that would have required 750mm of imported material to achieve the same strength. Additionally, by utilising locally sourced materials for the haul routes, the project reduced its reliance on imports, thereby mitigating potential programme delays. The proposal was further supported by its improved environmental and commercial performance and a significantly reduced local community impact due to lower construction traffic.

The design featured a 350mm stabilised subbase topped with 200mm of treated Type 1 surfacing to form an armoured surface on the haul routes, achieving a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of over 30%. For the piling mats, a 100mm overlay of unbound Type 1 stone was applied in lieu of the armoured layer, which was unnecessary for that part of the installation.

Sentinel ECC also mobilised on-site to strip the topsoil and construct bunds for later decommissioning.

Finally, a dust-free system was employed to rotovate the subsoils using a proprietary binder specifically formulated for the soil types encountered at Hinkley Point.

Project:

REAL Alliance, East Coast Main Line, Power Supply Upgrade – Phase 2

Location:

Hambleton Junction, Selby

Client:

Rail Electrifcation Alliance (REAL) – Consisting of six partner organisations VolkerRail, J Murphy & Sons, Network Rail, Siemens, Jacobs & TSP

Area Covered:

23,000m2

On behalf of the REAL Alliance, work was carried out that involved constructing two piling mats, two compounds, and a haul road on private farmland. The haul road required a temporary Bailey bridge, which was installed on cill beams at two access points.

To support Murphy’s operations at the Hambleton scheme, Sentinel ECC utilised a connection in Soil Science and implemented its SUREGROUND™ Reversible Soil Enhancement System. This maintenance‐free Surface Armouring was used to construct the haul road, delivering significant commercial savings and eliminating the need for maintenance throughout the scheme’s two-year programme.

Despite facing very poor ground conditions, thorough pre-start testing allowed the site team to work with Soil Science to develop an effective binder and move forward with the project.

Ultimately, both the compound and haul road surfaces achieved strengths exceeding 100% CBR, making them suitable for general works traffic as well as for specific on-site plant requirements. Additionally, the installation of two piling mats ensured safe operation during the bridge installation.