Ballard Power Systems Signs Agreements for Hydrogen Fuel Cells in North American Rail Market
Key Ideas
  • Ballard Power Systems secures a long-term supply agreement with Canadian Pacific Kansas City for 200 kW fuel cells to be used in freight locomotives, with an initial order of 98 to be delivered in 2025.
  • The partnership with Canadian Pacific Kansas City aims to decarbonize freight locomotives and transition to hydrogen fuel cells as a sustainable alternative to diesel engines, offering environmental benefits and operational advantages.
  • Additionally, Ballard signs a multi-year agreement with Stadler to supply FCmove-HD+ fuel cells for Flirt H2 multiple-units in California, expanding their presence in the rail market and demonstrating the viability of hydrogen fuel cells for passenger rail applications without catenary systems.
  • Randy MacEwen, President & CEO of Ballard, highlights the progress in advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology in the rail industry, emphasizing the environmental advantages, long range, fast refueling, heavy payload capacity, and suitability for cold weather operation.
Ballard Power Systems, a leading provider of hydrogen fuel cell technology, has recently inked two significant agreements to supply fuel cells for rail transportation in North America. The first deal involves a long-term partnership with Canadian Pacific Kansas City to deliver 200 kW fuel cells for freight locomotives, with an initial order of 98 units scheduled for 2025. This collaboration, initiated in 2021, signifies a crucial step in Canadian Pacific Kansas City's journey towards decarbonization by replacing diesel engines with hydrogen fuel cells. The deployment of these fuel cells on locomotives aims to offer environmental benefits, efficient long-range operations, quick refueling capabilities, high payload capacity, and reliable performance in cold climates. Ballard President & CEO, Randy MacEwen, expressed confidence in hydrogen fuel cells as a sustainable alternative for the rail industry. In a separate agreement, Ballard has partnered with Stadler to provide FCmove-HD+ fuel cells for Flirt H2 multiple-units procured by the California Department of Transportation. This collaboration, which extends over three years, includes the integration of Ballard fuel cells into the first Flirt H2 units. Through this agreement, Ballard aims to expand its presence in the rail market and demonstrate the value proposition of hydrogen fuel cell engines for powering passenger trains in regions where catenary systems are not feasible. The recent order signifies a significant milestone for Ballard in promoting the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in the transportation sector, particularly in the rail industry. Randy MacEwen emphasized the importance of this order in showcasing the benefits of hydrogen fuel cells for passenger rail services, underscoring their suitability for regions looking to transition to cleaner and greener transportation solutions. The agreements with Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Stadler mark a significant advancement in leveraging hydrogen fuel cell technology to drive sustainability and innovation in North America's rail market.
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