Sierra Northern Railway (Sera) has successfully completed testing of a four-axle hydrogen-fuelled, zero-emissions switching locomotive in West Sacramento, California. The testing, funded by a $4m grant from the California Energy Commission, showcased the potential of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries for powering rail yards' freight movement. This demonstration reinforces the feasibility of hydrogen-powered locomotives for short lines, essential segments of the freight network handling local deliveries. Sera has ambitious plans to construct three additional hydrogen locomotives by 2027, thanks to nearly $20m in new funding. Kennan Beard, President of Sera, highlighted the success of the test as a step towards replacing diesel locomotives with advanced hydrogen-powered units. Concurrently, Stadler, a renowned European train manufacturer, is venturing into the US hydrogen rail market with its Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train (FLIRT) H2 passenger train. This move acknowledges the dominance of freight transportation over passenger rail in the US, emphasizing the significance of cargo movement in the country's transport sector.