CPKC Advances Hydrogen Locomotive Programme with Ballard Power Systems Partnership
Key Ideas
- Ballard Power Systems signs a long-term agreement with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) for 98 fuel cell engines, supporting a total of 20MW power for hydrogen locomotive programme.
- CPKC's initiative includes North America's first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive, combining fuel cells and batteries for zero-emission operation.
- The partnership aims to decarbonise CPKC's locomotive fleet, demonstrating confidence in hydrogen fuel cells as a sustainable alternative to diesel engines.
- CPKC has already operational hydrogen production and refuelling stations in Calgary and Edmonton, with three hydrogen locomotives currently in operation.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has reinforced its commitment to hydrogen-powered locomotives by partnering with Ballard Power Systems for a significant supply of fuel cell engines. The long-term agreement will see CPKC receive 98 fuel cell engines, totaling 20MW of power, to support the expansion of their hydrogen locomotive programme in North America. This collaboration builds upon their successful integration of Ballard's fuel cell engines into hydrogen-powered locomotives for switching and freight service in Alberta, Canada. CPKC's sustainability efforts include the development of North America's first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive, which utilizes a combination of fuel cells and batteries to ensure emissions are limited to only water vapor. The recent order from CPKC further emphasizes their dedication to decarbonizing their fleet and embracing hydrogen fuel cells as a viable long-term solution. The partnership also highlights the environmental benefits of hydrogen technology, such as long range, fast refueling, heavy payloads, and operation in cold weather conditions. CPKC's hydrogen locomotive programme has been steadily progressing, with the successful testing and operation of prototype diesel freight locomotives retrofitted with hydrogen fuel cells and battery packs. The completion of hydrogen production and refueling stations in Calgary and Edmonton signifies a significant milestone in CPKC's sustainability journey. With three hydrogen locomotives already in operation, CPKC continues to showcase the practicality and viability of hydrogen technology in the freight rail market.
Topics
Fuel Cells
Sustainability
Decarbonisation
Partnership
Freight Rail
Railway Technology
Ballard Power Systems
CPKC
Hydrogen Locomotives
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