Ballard seeks to expand CPKC’s hydrogen-powered locomotive programme
The total aggregate power of the fuel cell engines is approximately 20 megawatts. The purchase deal is part of the ‘Long Term Supply Agreement’ (LSTA) Ballard Power Systems signed with Canadian Pacific Kansas City. This new agreement between the two companies comes after previous purchase deals since 2021, which has seen Ballard Power Systems deliver nearly ten megawatts of fuel cell engines to the railroad company to date.
The fuel cell engines have applications in the North American freight rail market. It will thus contribute to the expansion of CPKC’s hydrogen locomotive program. Randy MacEwen, President and CEO of Ballard Power, explains, “We are thrilled with the opportunity to further develop our strategic relationship with CPKC to decarbonise not only their locomotive fleet but also participate in the electrification of freight rail across North America.”
MacEwen further added: “This order represents a step forward in CPKC’s decarbonisation vision and confidence in hydrogen fuel cells as a potential long-term replacement of diesel engines, providing the environmental benefits along with long range, fast refuelling, heavy payloads, and cold weather operation.”
Late last year, CPKC ordered twelve 200 kW modules from Ballard. Ballard’s fuel cell engines have been successfully integrated into CPKC’s hydrogen-powered locomotives for regular switching and freight service applications in Alberta, Canada. In light of this, the railroad company has conducted several tests of diesel freight locomotives incorporated into hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage and battery packs. With record success, the company now has three hydrogen locomotives in operation.
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