Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has placed an order for 3.6MW of Ballard fuel cells to expand its Hydrogen Locomotive Program. The order includes 18, 200 kW fuel cell engines, which are scheduled to be delivered in 2023.
The expansion of the CPKC Hydrogen Locomotive Program is a significant step forward in the development of zero-emission freight rail transportation on the continent. The new locomotives will be capable of hauling heavy loads over long distances, making them a viable alternative to diesel locomotives.
Ballard's fuel cells have been successfully tested in locomotives in the past and they’ve originally provided some of the hydrogen fuel cell technology for the new locomotives, which are currently undergoing temperature variations, heavy hauling and auxiliary load trials.
“Our hydrogen locomotive program has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from locomotive operations, supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future in the freight rail sector,” said Dr. Kyle Mulligan, AVP Operations Technology. “We are excited to expand development of these pioneering zero-emission locomotives with collaborators like Ballard.”
The company recently announced its commitment to develop a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target that would help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Hydrogen Locomotive Program is seen as a key part of that mission.
At the time of the announcement of the target, Keith Creel, CPKC president and CEO said: "This represents an important milestone in the sustainability journey for the new CPKC.
“It comes early in our integration and reaffirms our commitment to operating sustainably as we grow our business for the future. This new commitment builds on the foundational work addressing climate change already underway, including our industry-leading Hydrogen Locomotive Program."
On the news that CPKC had expanded its Hydrogen Locomotive Program, Seungsoo Jung, Ballard’s Vice President of Rail and Emerging Markets said: “We are thrilled to support our partner, CPKC, as they expand their development of fuel cell-powered locomotives to decarbonize critical transportation routes.”
Photo Credit: CPKC
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