Sierra Northern Railway Leading the Way to Zero-Emission Rail Operations
Key Ideas
- Sierra Northern Railway completed testing of a hydrogen-fueled zero-emission switching locomotive, marking a significant step towards decarbonization.
- A new supply agreement with Ballard Power Systems will see the conversion of three diesel switching locomotives to hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission locomotives.
- The initiative is part of California's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, showcasing innovation and environmental stewardship.
- Ballard fuel cell modules offer safe and reliable zero-emission operations, acting as a sustainable replacement for diesel engines on non-electrified rail lines.
Sierra Northern Railway has made strides in achieving zero-emission rail operations by completing testing of a hydrogen-fueled switching locomotive. A new supply agreement with Ballard Power Systems will result in the conversion of three diesel switching locomotives to hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission locomotives using 1.5-megawatt fuel cell engines. This initiative by Sierra Northern aligns with their commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, contributing to California's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. The Ballard fuel cell modules provide the benefits of zero emissions without the need for overhead catenary systems, offering long range, fast refueling, and flexibility in operation across various routes and conditions. By embracing fuel cell technology, Sierra Northern Railway is leading the way in sustainable rail operations.