Ballard Power Systems Partners with Sierra Northern Railway for Hydrogen-Powered Locomotives in California
Key Ideas
- Ballard Power Systems to supply 12 FCmove-XD engines for three diesel locomotives to transition to hydrogen power, supporting Sierra Northern Railway's decarbonisation strategy.
- The partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to California's clean transportation goals.
- Sierra Northern Railway has completed tests for a hydrogen-fuelled, zero-emission switching locomotive in West Sacramento, supported by a $4m investment from the California Energy Commission.
- This initiative highlights the importance and potential of fuel cell technology in advancing sustainable rail solutions and decarbonising the North American freight rail sector.
Ballard Power Systems has entered into a supply agreement with Sierra Northern Railway in California for 1.5MW of fuel cell engines as part of a decarbonisation strategy. The agreement involves Ballard providing 12 FCmove-XD engines to retrofit three diesel locomotives, transitioning them to hydrogen power for zero-emission operations. These FCmove-XD modules are designed for heavy-duty applications, offering a cost-effective alternative to overhead catenary systems while ensuring high reliability, durability, efficiency, and power density. Sierra Northern Railway's president expressed enthusiasm for integrating Ballard's fuel cell modules, emphasizing the alignment with their commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. The partnership is seen as a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector in California. Additionally, Sierra Northern Railway recently completed tests for a hydrogen-fuelled, zero-emission switching locomotive in West Sacramento, supported by a substantial investment from the California Energy Commission. This project marks a crucial contribution to California's clean transportation goals and highlights the potential of fuel cell technology in advancing sustainable rail solutions and decarbonisation efforts in the region.
Topics
Fuel Cells
Innovation
Sustainability
Decarbonisation
Fuel Cell Technology
Environmental Stewardship
Clean Transportation
California Energy Commission
Rail Operations
Latest News