First Deputy PM, Wabtec CEO discuss production of “green” locomotives in Kazakhstan

Last week, First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Roman Sklyar, met with Rafael Santana, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (Wabtec), Kazinform News Agency reports with reference to the Kazakh Government.

Wabtec is a global leader in the transportation and logistics industry and is a Fortune 500 company.

Roman Sklyar highlighted the government's efforts to advance the railway industry, emphasizing the renewal of the rolling stock fleet. The sides discussed Wabtec's plans to produce new generation ‘green’ locomotives in Kazakhstan.

Roman Sklyar thanked the American side for the establishment of Wabtec Engineering Center on the basis of JSC Locomotive Kurastyru Zauyty in Astana.

Rafael Santana assured that the center will specialize in production of locomotives based on alternative energy sources, including LNG (liquefied natural gas), hydrogen, and batteries. Additionally, the center will enhance the repair and maintenance of home-produced locomotives and subsequently deployed in other countries, such as Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Moldova.

Following the meeting, Roman Sklyar gave a number of instructions to the governmental agencies and organizations to implement Wabtec’s initiatives.