GB Railfreight and HyOrc sign MOU to Advance Rail Decarbonisation in the UK

Rhea-AI Summary

HyOrc (OTCQB: HYOR) and GB Railfreight signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Feb 18, 2026 to advance Project Phoenix, a pilot to retrofit legacy diesel locomotives with HyOrc’s zero-emission-ready propulsion.

The plan scales HyOrc’s validated 1MW factory system toward a 3MW UK pilot, uses a phased fuel approach (LPG/Natural Gas then 100% hydrogen), and aims to avoid costly electrification while demonstrating hydrogen-conditioning technology to improve hydrogen economics.

LONDON, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GB Railfreight (GBRf), one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with US clean technology company HyOrc Corporation (OTCQB: HYOR). The collaboration, known as Project Phoenix, will define a pilot pathway to retrofit part of GBRf’s older diesel locomotive fleet with HyOrc’s zero-emission-ready propulsion technology.

Building on HyOrc’s recently validated 1MW factory system, independently assessed by Bureau Veritas, Project Phoenix proposes scaling the technology to a 3MW UK pilot. The initiative aims to replace the diesel engine of a legacy locomotive and will seek to demonstrate a practical, low-risk pathway for transitioning freight locomotives from diesel to sustainable fuels.

A key benefit of Project Phoenix is its ability to avoid costly railway electrification infrastructure. The phased approach would initially reduce emissions through the use of onboard Natural Gas or LPG before transitioning to 100% onboard Hydrogen. This final step would be enabled by HyOrc’s proprietary Project Phoenix hydrogen-conditioning technology, designed to improve the economic viability of hydrogen utilisation.

Alex Kirk, Commercial Director at GB Railfreight, said:
“Project Phoenix aligns with GBRf’s strategic commitment to lead the rail freight sector towards a more sustainable future and could play a key role in delivering our carbon reduction plan. By retrofitting part of our existing fleet with multi-fuel technology, it will offer a practical, low-risk route to decarbonisation. It enables us to extend the value of current assets alongside the introduction of our new fleet of bi-mode Class 99s.”

 Lisa Carter, CFO of HyOrc, added:
Project-Phoenix is a turning point for the rail industry. By retrofitting existing assets, we allow operators to decarbonise immediately, bypassing billions in new fleet costs. We are exploring obtaining structured funding through the Connected Places Catapult Accelerator."

About HyOrc Corporation
HyOrc Corporation (OTCQB: HYOR) develops and commercializes patented hydrogen-capable combustion and waste-to-fuel systems for the shipping, rail, and off-grid power sectors.

Website: www.hyorc.com Press Contact: comms@hyorc.com

About GB Railfreight
GB Railfreight (GBRf) is one of the UK’s leading rail freight companies, operating over 1,000 trains a week and moving approximately 22% of the UK’s rail freight.

Website: www.gbrailfreight.com Press Contact:  jonathan.dobson@gbrailfreight.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements under Sections 27A and 21E of the Securities Acts of 1933 and 1934. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors are described in Company filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a1fe6dbd-c865-4418-9fac-f7c161b63dc4

FAQ

What is Project Phoenix announced by HyOrc (HYOR) and GB Railfreight on Feb 18, 2026?

Project Phoenix is a pilot to retrofit legacy diesel locomotives with zero-emission-ready propulsion, scaling to 3MW. According to the company, it phases fuels from LPG/Natural Gas to 100% hydrogen and seeks to avoid costly track electrification.

How does HyOrc plan to scale its validated 1MW system for the UK pilot (HYOR)?

HyOrc plans to scale its independently assessed 1MW factory system toward a 3MW UK pilot. According to the company, the work will define a retrofit pathway and test hydrogen-conditioning for onboard hydrogen use.

What fuels will be used during the Project Phoenix retrofit pilot (HYOR)?

The pilot uses a phased fuel approach: initial onboard LPG or Natural Gas, transitioning to 100% onboard hydrogen. According to the company, this sequence aims to reduce emissions immediately while enabling later hydrogen adoption.

Will Project Phoenix require new railway electrification for GB Railfreight (HYOR)?

No, the pilot aims to avoid costly railway electrification by retrofitting locomotives with onboard multi-fuel propulsion. According to the company, this provides a practical, lower-infrastructure route to decarbonisation.

Has HyOrc secured funding or contracts for the Project Phoenix UK pilot (HYOR)?

Not yet; HyOrc is exploring structured funding options such as the Connected Places Catapult Accelerator. According to the company, funding discussions are ongoing and no definitive financing was announced on Feb 18, 2026.