Erie Poised for Future: Wabtec to Develop Hydrogen-Powered Trains with Government Funding
Key Ideas
- Wabtec, based in Erie, receives $48.41 million in funding to develop hydrogen-powered trains as the next innovation after the Evolution and FLXDrive locomotives.
- U.S. Sen. Bob Casey highlighted the importance of Pennsylvania's leading role in transportation technology and the potential for job growth in the Erie area.
- Local 506's president is optimistic about the project's impact on the community and hopes for manufacturing or remanufacturing to take place in Erie due to the plant's capabilities.
- The safety and quality of products are emphasized over production costs, with an understanding of the historical significance of Pennsylvania in railroad development.
GE Transportation engineers in Erie, now part of Wabtec Corp., have been behind the development of innovative locomotives like the Evolution and FLXDrive. Recently, Wabtec received $48.41 million in funding to work on hydrogen-powered trains in Erie, as announced by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. The project aims to remanufacture trains to run on hydrogen fuel, with upgrades to control systems and engines. The potential move to hydrogen marks a step towards eco-friendly transportation solutions with reduced emissions. Local 506's president expressed optimism about the project's benefits for the Erie area, emphasizing the significance of the local plant's capabilities. Wabtec's focus on safety and quality in manufacturing aligns with the sentiment that products like these should not be solely cost-driven. The project not only represents technological advancement but also holds the promise of job creation and economic growth in the region, building on Pennsylvania's historic leadership in the railroad industry.