They called the project "the first substantive industry response to the government's challenge to remove diesel rolling stock by 2040", and claimed that hydrogen power "could offer the right zero carbon solution for many parts of the [British] network".

[2][3] The engineering study and design concept for the 'Breeze' proposal were published in January 2019, following which Alstom and Eversholt were working to develop business cases and detailed plans for both the conversion and entry-into-services processes, as well as the required infrastructure for refuelling the units in the field.

[1] In February 2020, Arriva Rail North (operating as 'Northern') detailed its plans for a self-contained network of Breeze units centred on Middlesbrough in Teesside,[1][7] a significant hub for hydrogen production in the UK.

A fleet of approximately twelve units would operate services on routes between Middlesbrough and Nunthorpe, Bishop Auckland, and Saltburn,[7] with the possibility of extension to Whitby, and to Newcastle via Hartlepool and Sunderland on the Durham Coast Line.

[13] The Aventra platform's advanced onboard systems, integrated diagnostics, and reduced requirement for routine maintenance were also noted as advantages to pursuing the new strategy – though it was stated nevertheless that Alstom would maintain the option of converting existing trains.