Ballard Power Systems Signs Supply Agreement for Zero-Emission Passenger Trains in California
Key Ideas
- Ballard Power Systems to supply eight megawatts of fuel cell engines to power Stadler's FLIRT H2 zero-emission passenger trains for Caltrans.
- This order strengthens California's zero-emission passenger rail capabilities with the potential purchase of up to 29 FLIRT H2 trains.
- The partnership between Ballard, Stadler, and Caltrans aims to decarbonize commuter rail transportation by replacing diesel engines with hydrogen fuel cell technology.
- Both companies highlight the environmental benefits of the FLIRT H2 trains, offering emission-free passenger transport without the need for costly overhead catenary lines.
Ballard Power Systems has secured a multi-year supply agreement with Stadler US to provide eight megawatts of FCmove®-HD+ fuel cell engines to power zero-emission passenger trains for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). This partnership builds upon years of collaboration, with Ballard's fuel cell engines successfully integrated into Stadler's FLIRT H2 trains, marking a milestone as the first FRA-compliant hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger train in the United States. The order supports Caltrans' initiative to purchase 10 FLIRT H2 trains, with the potential for an additional 19 trains to bolster the state's zero-emission passenger rail infrastructure. CEO Randy MacEwen expressed enthusiasm at the expanded partnership, highlighting the value proposition of Ballard's fuel cell engines in regions lacking catenary wire infrastructure. Stadler's CEO Martin Ritter echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the FLIRT H2's capability to replace diesel trains on non-electrified or partially electrified lines, offering emission-free transport and circumventing the need for costly electrification investments.