Ballard Power Systems Partners with Sierra Northern Railway for Hydrogen-Powered Locomotives in California
Key Ideas
  • Strategic partnership to convert three diesel locomotives to hydrogen power showcases commercial viability and environmental commitment.
  • Ballard's FCmove-XD engines offer high reliability, efficiency, and power density, enhancing operational flexibility and sustainability in rail transport.
  • This agreement marks a significant step in decarbonizing North American freight rail operations, highlighting the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
  • The collaboration emphasizes the long range, fast refueling, and operational flexibility of fuel cell solutions for heavy-duty rail applications.
Ballard Power Systems has signed a new supply agreement with Sierra Northern Railway to provide 1.5 MW of fuel cell engines for the conversion of three diesel locomotives to zero-emission hydrogen-powered units in California by 2025. The deal involves 12 FCmove-XD engines specifically designed for heavy-duty applications, offering high reliability, durability, and efficiency without the need for costly overhead catenary systems. This strategic partnership marks a significant development in decarbonizing North American freight rail operations, emphasizing the operational benefits of Ballard's fuel cell technology such as long range, fast refueling, and operational flexibility across different routes and environmental conditions. The collaboration reinforces Ballard's position in the emerging zero-emission locomotive market, showcasing the commercial viability and environmental commitment of hydrogen-powered rail transport.
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