Lumo Targets Drivers With ‘Pump-Primed’ Campaign Showing How To Travel To London For Less
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Rail Business Daily.
These three paragraphs outline the story.
Motorists driving to London are being shown how taking the train could save up to half the cost of their journey – as they fill-up at the fuel pumps.
Lumo has launched digital screens at a filling station to display real-time travel information and ticket prices.
Lumo believes the bold new trial, a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Smart Outdoor digital advertising firm, will give motorists a timely reminder of a greener and often more affordable alternative to driving between Scotland and England.
Note.
- Displaying real-time travel information is done regularly all over the transport network, for buses and trains.
- Adding ticket prices would not be difficult.
- All filling stations must have good enough broadband.
- I suspect, it could work best, where the train operator sells good value walk-up tickets. This is done at LNER stations on the East Coast Main Line and in An Affordable Trip To Doncaster, I told how I went to Doncaster for the day for £46.45 with a Senior Railcard, buying the tickets on a walk-up basis.
But who knows, where this technology will lead?
As a non-driver, if anybody sees the system in action, I’d love a comment and a photo.
A Ticket Buying App
I also think, I could specify a ticket buying app for trips someone needs to make.
The app would keep a list of train journeys you want to make.
Every day, it would look up the best prices available and if you wanted to go somewhere, you could buy a ticket.
Magna Tram Stop – 23rd April 2026
I went to the new Magna tram stop on the Sheffield tram-train today and took these pictures.
The tram stop structure looks like two identical lift towers with a staircase, that have been lifted in onto foundations, that are opposite each other.
- The two structures appear to be made almost entirely of steel, which is surely appropriate for the Sheffield and Rotherham area.
- The lifts are typical quality lifts from Stannah.
- After installation the staircases point in opposite directions.
- Were the three components of the bridge just lifted into place and then wired up and switched on?
- A steel bridge completes the tram stop.
- The design of the bridge keeps the travellers well away from the electrification.
- The bridge steelwork was constructed locally at Barnsley.
I believe, this tram stop was designed for ease of installation and the lowest possible cost consistent with high quality.
I wouldn’t be surprised that this tram stop bridge has been designed so it can be replicated in different sizes at different locations.
I have some further thoughts.
Can This Design Be Adapted For Other Applications, Locations And Sizes?
I believe it can and this bridge could be the first of many.
Can This Design Be Assembled Around A Working Railway With A Few Short Possessions?
I believe it can, which would be a good cost and time saving in assembly!
I also believe, that as at Magna, it could be assembled around a working electrified railway.
There is a lot to like about this tram-stop design.
Are Sheffield Planning Any Expansion Of The Trams?
Out of curiosity, I had to ask Google AI, the title of this section.
I received this answer.
Yes, Sheffield is actively planning to expand its tram network as part of a major public transport regeneration project aiming for better connectivity and reduced congestion. Key proposals include extending the tram-train network to Doncaster and Barnsley, a new route to Stocksbridge, a connection to Chesterfield via Barrow Hill, and a new stop at the Magna Science Adventure Centre.
Key details of the expansion plans include:
Network Expansion Plans: The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is evaluating several extensions, including a potential route connecting the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the southern city centre.
Tram-Train Focus: Future expansion heavily features tram-trains, which can use existing rail lines, such as the 9-mile link to Stocksbridge.
Doncaster and Barnsley Routes: Proposed extensions involve utilizing existing rail lines for faster connections to Doncaster and a new line to Barnsley.
Infrastructure Investment: The government has announced £570 million for upgrading the existing Supertram network, including improving capacity at Sheffield Train Station.
Timeline: While studies and developments are ongoing, significant work is expected to pick up speed toward 2030, integrated with Northern Powerhouse Rail developments.
Could we see more innovative bridges?
Welsh Government Backs Marine Power Systems’ Floating Wind Tech With GBP 8 Million
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
The Welsh government has invested GBP 8 million (approximately EUR 9.4 million) in Marine Power Systems (MPS) to support the commercialisation of its floating offshore wind technology.
These three paragraphs add more detail to the story.
According to the company, the funding will accelerate the deployment of its PelaFlex platform, a floating wind solution designed for deep-water sites where conventional fixed-bottom foundations are not viable.
Marine Power Systems said the investment will help move the technology from advanced development towards commercial-scale deployment and manufacturing. The company also plans to expand its industrial and assembly capabilities in the UK.
The PelaFlex platform has been designed to simplify fabrication, installation and long-term operations while enabling wind farms to be located further offshore where wind speeds are typically stronger and more consistent, MPS says.
The offshore wind industry in Wales seems to be gearing up for a big expansion.
Gwynt Glas is the collective name for the three 1.5 GW floating wind farms in the Western Approaches and in Gwynt Glas And South Wales Ports Combine Strength In Preparation For Multi-Billion Floating Wind Industry, I describe the initial agreement that started the Gwynt Glas project.
To my mind, Associated British Ports and the wind farm developers are making sure they can carpet the Western Approaches, with offshore wind farms.
In Ocean Winds Enters Lease Agreement With Crown Estate For 1.5 GW Celtic Sea Floating Wind Project, I talk in general about the progress of the first three 1.5 GW floating wind farms in Gwynt Glas and in particular about leasing of the third wind farm.
These two posts, indicate that the Port of Port Talbot is preparing itself to produce the floaters for floating wind turbines.
- BW Ideol, ABP To Explore Serial Production Of Floating Wind Foundations At Port Talbot
- Two Ports Advance To Next Stage Of UK Gov Funding For Floating Wind
It certainly appears, that South Wales will be able to build the heavyweight gubbins for floating offshore wind.
According to Was South Wales Once The World’s Largest Coal Exporter? it was, and in 1913, the region produced 57 million tons of coal, with more than half exported.
It does look like South Wales is going to repeat the economic success with offshore energy.
I’ve heard tales from elderly Welshmen talking of the coal ships in the docks of South Wales and will we be seeing gas tankers in the docks of South Wales?
How Much Pumped Storage Hydro Will Be Operational In The UK By 2030?
Pumped Storage Hydro is the Bank of England-standard for energy storage.
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this answer.
The UK currently has approximately 3 GW (roughly 26-28 GWh) of operational pumped storage hydro (PSH) capacity. By 2030, this capacity is expected to increase, driven by new projects in the pipeline that aim to meet a government goal of up to 8 GW of long-duration energy storage by that year.
Key Projects Expected Online by 2030-2031:
Coire Glas (SSE): A major project in Scotland with a planned capacity of 1.3 GW / 30 GWh, expected to be operational around 2030–31.
Cruachan Expansion (Drax): A 600MW plant in Scotland that has received approval, with construction expected to contribute to the 2030 goal.
Glenmuckloch: Projected to be operational by 2029. In
Other Developments:
Total Pipeline: Developers have identified up to 10 GW of potential projects in the Scottish Highlands and Wales, though not all will be operational by 2030.
Future Growth: The total installed capacity of PSH is expected to grow significantly, with one projection suggesting a rise from 26.7 GWh currently to over 122 GWh by 2034.
To support these projects, the UK government has confirmed a “cap and floor” investment framework to stimulate development of long-duration energy storage (LDES).
For a relatively small island we do seem to be an ideal place to develop pumped storage hydro!
The Coire Glas Pumped Storage Scheme
In The Coire Glas Pumped Storage Scheme, I give more details of this scheme.
The Glenmuckloch Pumped Storage Scheme
In The Glenmuckloch Pumped Storage Scheme, I give more details of this scheme, which is based on a disused open cast coal mine.
Addition Of Pumped Storage Hydro By 2030
This looks to be around 5 GW, but it is just a foretaste of the shape of things to come!
Are Hitachi’s Tri-Mode Trains Exceeding Expectations?
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this answer.
Yes, Hitachi’s tri-mode (battery-hybrid) trains are exceeding expectations, particularly following successful trials in the UK in late 2024. Trials of the battery-equipped Class 802/2 demonstrated superior performance to initial forecasts, leading to a £300 million order for a new fleet to be delivered in 2028.
Key findings from trials and operational expectations:
Performance Exceeded: The trial, conducted with TransPennine Express and Angel Trains, showed fuel cost savings of 35%–50%, surpassing initial predictions of up to 30%.
Operational Capability: The battery technology enabled trains to reach speeds greater than 75 mph and provided enough range for zero-emission, silent running in and out of stations, significantly reducing noise and improving air quality.
Energy Efficiency: The battery matched the weight of a diesel engine, meaning no extra track degradation.
Future Impact: The success of the trial led to an order from Arriva Group for a new fleet for Grand Central services, which will increase seating capacity by 20% and are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
These trains, designed to run on electric, battery, or diesel power, are part of a push to modernize rail services, with the technology allowing for the gradual elimination of diesel-only operation on certain routes.
That is certainly good performance and Hitachi received a £300 million order, which I wrote about in Arriva Group Invests In New Battery Hybrid Train Fleet In Boost To UK Rail Industry
But I don’t think it’s all down to Hitachi, as Hitachi linked up with Sunderland-based Hyperdrive Innovation, who are JCB’s battery supplier. Hyperdrive were taken over by Turntide Technologies in 2021.
In Batteries Ordered For Grand Central Inter-City Trains, I said this.
Hitachi Rail has selected Turntide Technologies to supply lithium iron phosphate batteries for use on electric-diesel-battery hybrid inter-city trainsets it is to build for Arriva’s open access operator Grand Central.
I am coming to the conclusion, that Turntide Technologies use and/or make some very special batteries.
I asked Google AI, “Which make of battery cells does Turntide use?” and received this reply.
Based on recent announcements (2023–2025), Turntide Technologies utilizes advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells for its next-generation battery systems, particularly for its partnership with Hitachi Rail.
Key details regarding Turntide’s battery cell usage include:
Chemistry Shift:
While previously associated with Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) in some applications, Turntide has focused its recent rail projects with Hitachi on LFP technology to enhance safety and allow for more compact, powerful, and lighter battery packs.
Application:
These LFP batteries are used in high-performance, rugged, and space-limited environments, such as Hitachi’s UK battery-operated trains.
Modular Design:
Turntide’s Gen 5 battery systems are designed to be flexible for various applications including construction, agriculture, and mining, using modular, high-energy-density cells.
Previous Technology:
Previously, Turntide (which acquired Hyperdrive Innovation) used Lithium-ion NMC cells for its battery packs.
The search results do not explicitly identify a specific, named manufacturer (e.g., CATL, LG, Samsung) for the cells, but focus on the LFP chemistry utilized by Turntide.
I am also coming to the conclusion, that they took over Hyperdrive Innovation to get control of these compact, powerful, and lighter battery packs.
Offshore Wind Turbines In 2025: China Continues Leading In Single-Unit Capacity, Vestas’s 15 MW Turbine Installed At Offshore Wind Farms
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
In offshoreWIND.biz‘s 2024 annual wind turbine overview, you could have read about the first 16 MW floating wind platform installed offshore and a 26 MW prototype under construction, both in China, and a 21 MW prototype being assembled in Europe. Wind turbine generator (WTG) technology did not stop progressing in 2025, with Chinese OEMs still leading capacity-wise, while in Europe, first offshore wind farms are now featuring 15 MW turbines and a 21+ MW model was installed onshore for testing.
The article is very much a must-read and there is a lot of innovation going on.
As a comparison, between 2020 and 2026 we commissioned or are building these offshore wind farms in the UK.
- East Anglia One – 2000 – 714 MW – 102 x 7 MW
- Hornsea One – 2020 – 1218 MW – 174 x 7 MW
- Kincardine – 2021 – 49.5 MW – 6 x floating
- Hornsea Two – 2022 – 1386 MW – 165 x 8 MW
- Moray East – 2022 – 950 MW – 100 x 9.5 MW
- Triton Knoll – 2022 – 857 MW – 90 x 9.5 MW
- Seagreen Phase 1 – 2023 – 1400 MW – 114 x 10 MW
- Dogger Bank A – 2025 – 1235 MW – 95 x 13 MW
- Moray West – 2025 – 882 MW – 60 x 14 MW
- Neart Na Gaoithe – 2025 – 450 MW – 54 x 8 MW
- Dogger Bank B – 2026 – 1235 MW – 95 x 13 MW
- East Anglia 3 – 2026 – 1372 – 95 x 14 MW
- Sofia – 2026 – 1400 MW – 100 x 14 MW
Average sizes for the various years are as follows.
- 2020 – 7 MW
- 2021 – floating
- 2022 – 8-9.5 MW
- 2023 – 10 MW
- 2025 – 8-14 MW
- 2026 – 13-14 MW
It can clearly be seen that in the last few years, turbines have been getting bigger.
I have some thoughts on the article.
2025 Saw Some Plans For And Installations Of Some Very Large Turbines
These four monsters were mentioned at the start of the article.
- 26 MW – Prototype installed for testing (China)
- 21.5 MW – Prototype installed for testing (Europe)
- 15 MW Installed at offshore wind farms (Europe)
- 50 MW Twin-turbine platform; Announced (China)
- MingYang Turbines to Spin on Hexicon’s Floating Offshore Wind Project
- World’s First Offshore Wind Farm Using 16 MW Turbines Enters Construction In China
- The Secret Of The TwinHub
- Hexicon Wins UK’s First Ever CfD Auction For Floating Offshore Wind
- The Chinese seem to be providing turbines for both manufacturers.
- The TwinHub is the Swedish design, being built for trial in Cornwall.
- This new design is a 50 MW design, whereas these two are 32 MW.
French Companies Unite On Superconducting Cable Project For Distant Offshore Wind Farms
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
Air Liquide, CentraleSupélec, ITP Interpipe, Nexans, and RTE have joined forces to develop a project that connects distant offshore wind farms to shore via a High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) superconducting transmission system.
This introductory paragraph adds some detail.
The SupraMarine demonstrator project will study the electrical connection between offshore wind farms and the coastline using High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) cables. Cooled by liquid nitrogen, the cables are said to transport electricity with near-zero energy loss.
Note.
- No details of the target distances are indicated.
- There is a detailed exploratory diagram.
It is certainly an ambitious project, but I feel it could have substantial uses.
I have a few thoughts and questions.
Can Sodium Metal Be Used For High Voltage Electrical Underground Cables?
Google AI answers this question as follows.
Yes, sodium metal was investigated and used in trial runs for high-voltage underground electrical cables in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as a potentially cheaper and more flexible alternative to copper and aluminum. However, it is not in common use today due to safety concerns and unfavorable lifecycle economics compared to aluminum.
When I was at ICI around 1970, they were researching the use of sodium for high voltage power cables.
- ICI had access to large amount of sodium chloride in Cheshire.
- The sodium metal can be obtained by electrolysis.
- Renewable electricity for electrolysis will be plentiful.
- Someone told me that their prototype cable was a polythene pipe with Sodium metal in the middle.
- I’ve read somewhere that sodium cables have interesting safe overload properties.
- I can understand the safety concerns and unfavorable lifecycle economics, especially where water is concerned.
Perhaps, French technology has improved in the sixty years?
Will Sodium Metal Be Used In The French Superconducting Cable?
Nothing has been disclosed!
But the office chat at ICI from those, who knew their sodium and their polythene, as they’d been working at ICI Mond Division for decades, was of the opinion that sodium/polythene cables were possible!
From The Diagram, It Looks Like Power Is Needed At Both Ends Of The Superconducting Cable
The diagram shows wind turbines at one end and the grid at the other end of the cable.
So will a battery or some other form of stabilisation be needed for when the wind isn’t blowing?
Will The French Superconducting Cable Have A High Capacity?
The basic capacity of a cable depends on three properties.
- The resistance of the cable.
- The cross-section area of the cable.
- The design of the cable must also be able too conduct away the heat generated by electricity flowing through.
Will The Technology Work For Interconnectors?
I don’t see why not!
DeepForm
On Wednesday I went to the TDAP Wave 8 Demo Day, which was organised by the Advanced Propulsion Centre.
One of the cohort of companies there was DeepForm, who were described like this.
DeepForm is transforming sheet metal pressing with its patented cold-shear press design, which reduces blank sizes by up to 45 % and trimming waste by up to 85%. This drop-in technology lowers material costs and embodied CO2 in existing press lines without compromising performance, quality or speed. Spun out of the University of Cambridge in 2022, DeepForm enables OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to adopt the breakthrough through IP licensing, simulation and design support.
The company have an impressive web site, which deserves a very full read.
In their presentation, they showed two products, that could benefit from their innovation; a large steel component for Jaguar Land Rover and a humble aluminium drink can.
As I walked home ntoday, I saw this advert displayed on a bus stop.
The cans for BuzzBallz are also shown on the company’s web site.
But these products are are only the start.
For instance, I can see lots of small plastic items and components, that can’t be recycled, could be made from aluminium, which is easy to be recycle.
I also think companies like IKEA will love the design freedom, the technology will give.
UK Offshore Wind Farm Now Equipped With Scour Protection Doubling As Marine Life Habitat
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
RWE has installed around 75,000 reef cubes developed by the nature-inclusive technology designer ARC marine at the Rampion offshore wind farm in the UK, in what the Rampion owner says is a “global first”. The cubes are a specially eco-engineered scour protection solution for wind turbine foundations, and this represents their first full-scale deployment at an offshore wind farm.
These four paragraphs add more details.
The solution is designed to protect the energy infrastructure from strong currents in the subsea environment, while creating new and extending existing living marine habitats, RWE says.
The reef cubes, ranging in size from 15 to 35 centimetres, were installed over the last few days at the base of one of the Rampion turbines by the project’s contractor Rohde Nielsen. It is the first real-world deployment of ARC marine’s patented Reef cubes as scour protection at an operational wind farm, according to RWE.
The developer says that at just one of the Rampion turbines, the reef cubes are providing a habitat surface area of 25,000 square metres.
The deployment is part of the Reef Enhancement for Scour Protection (RESP) pilot that RWE and ARC marine announced in July this year.
ARC marine’s reef cubes have their own comprehensive web site, which show all aspects of this fascinating technology.
Unlocking Efficiency With Cryogenic Cooling Of GaN Traction Inverters
The title of this post, is the same as this insight on the Ricardo web site.
This is the introduction.
As the mobility sector accelerates toward zero-carbon propulsion, hydrogen fuel cell systems (HFCS) are emerging as a cornerstone technology for aviation, marine, and long-haul road transport. Among the most promising innovations in this space is the use of liquid hydrogen (LH₂) not only as a fuel source but also as a cryogenic coolant for electric powertrains. This dual-purpose approach offers transformative potential in system efficiency, packaging, and weight reduction—especially when paired with Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors.
It is a very simple concept, but it appears to give worthwhile efficiency gains.
This was the article’s conclusion.
Ricardo’s cryogenic GaN inverter concept represents a bold leap toward ultra-efficient, lightweight, and integrated hydrogen propulsion systems. While challenges remain in materials, packaging, and reliability, the experimental results are compelling. With efficiencies nearing 99.8% and mass reductions over 50%, cryogenic cooling could redefine the future of electric mobility.
As the hydrogen economy matures, innovations like this will be pivotal in delivering clean, scalable, and high-performance solutions across all mobility sectors.
I very much suggest, that you take the time to read the whole insight.
Using The Concept In a Liquid Hydrogen Carrier
This Wikipedia entry describes the design and operation of an ocean-going liquid hydrogen carrier.
This is a paragraph.
Similar to an LNG carrier the boil off gas can be used for propulsion of the ship.
Ricardo’s concept would appear to be advantageous in the design of liquid hydrogen carriers and I would expect, it could also be applied to the design of LNG carriers.
I would not be surprised to see liquid hydrogen and LNG carriers were the first application of Ricardo’s concept.
This Wikipedia entry describes the Suiso Frontier, which is the world’s only liquid hydrogen carrier.
I believe that Ricardo’s concept could lead to the construction of a more of these ships. Will they mean that liquid hydrogen carriers will deliver hydrogen from sunny climes to places like Europe, Japan, Korea and Canada.
The concept would also enable efficient small liquid hydrogen carriers, that could deliver hydrogen on routes like the North of Scotland to Germany.
Using The Concept In A Railway Locomotive
I could see freight locomotives being designed as a large liquid hydrogen tank with appropriately-sized fuel cells and added electrical gubbins.
- They would be self-powered and would not require any electrification.
- They would be much quieter than current diesels.
- They could pull the heaviest freight trains, between Europe and Asia.
- They could even pull passenger trains, if an electrical hotel supply were to be arranged.
- They could be designed with very long ranges.
But above all they would be zero-carbon.
Note that I’ve written about long freight routes before.
- China, Russia And The EU’s Intermarium Bloc
- How To Move 100,000 Containers A Year Between Germany And China
- Georgia, Azerbaijan and Iran Discuss New Freight Corridor To link India And Europe
- Finland And Norway To Explore Building Arctic Rail Link
- A New Gateway To China: Europe Prepares For The Launch Of Baku–Tbilisi–Kars Railway
I believe that a long-distance liquid-hydrogen locomotive, that was based on the Ricardo concept, would be ideal for some of these routes.
A Specialised Hydrogen Delivery Train
In April 2022, I wrote The TruckTrain, where this is a simple description of the concept.
The Basic Design Concept
The leaflet on their web site describes the concept.
This visualisation at the bottom of the leaflet shows four TruckTrains forming a train carrying twelve intermodal containers, each of which I suspect are 20 feet long.
I believe that the TruckTrain concept could be converted into a hydrogen delivery train.
- It would be an appropriate length.
- It would be powered by the on-board hydrogen.
- The hydrogen would be stored as liquid hydrogen.
It would be able to go most places on the UK rail network.
Conclusion
Ricardo’s concept could revolutionise the use of hydrogen.
The Anonymous Widower 