CPKC Launches Hydrogen-Powered Locomotives in Calgary and Edmonton
Key Ideas
- Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) inaugurates hydrogen production and refueling stations in Calgary and Edmonton, enabling the operation of hydrogen-powered locomotives.
- CPKC's initiative involves retrofitting diesel locomotives with hydrogen fuel cells to reduce emissions and promote sustainability in railway transportation.
- The partnership between CPKC and Atco EnPower resulted in the construction of these stations, advancing North America's first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive project.
- Hydrogen-powered locomotives emit only water vapor, offering a cleaner and greener alternative to traditional diesel engines.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has successfully launched two new hydrogen production and refueling stations in Calgary and Edmonton. These stations are pivotal components of CPKC's hydrogen locomotive program, which aims to retrofit diesel locomotives with hydrogen fuel cells to operate without directly generating emissions. The collaboration between CPKC and Atco EnPower, a division of Canadian Utilities Ltd., led to the establishment of these innovative facilities. CPKC's commitment to sustainability was demonstrated in 2020 when they announced plans to develop North America’s first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive. By utilizing fuel cells and batteries to power the locomotive's electric traction motors, CPKC is revolutionizing railway transportation. Currently, CPKC boasts three hydrogen-powered locomotives in service, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of green technology in the railway industry. Unlike traditional diesel engines, hydrogen-powered locomotives offer the advantage of emitting only water vapor, thereby reducing harmful emissions. This initiative signifies a positive step towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future for railway operations in Canada.