British Columbia-based Ballard Power Systems, a renewable energy semiconductor manufacturer, and Alberta-based Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), the only single-line rail network connecting North America, recently signing of a new long-term supply agreement.
The agreement includes the delivery of 98 fuel cell engines for use in the North American freight rail market in 2025. The engines operate on approximately 20 megawatts (MW) of fuel cell power and support CPKC’s expansion of its hydrogen locomotive program.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to further develop our strategic relationship with CPKC to decarbonize not only their locomotive fleet but also participate in the electrification of freight rail across North America,” Randy MacEwen, Ballard Power president and CEO, said. “This order represents a step forward in CPKC’s decarbonization 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 refueling, heavy payloads, and cold weather operation.”
The companies have been partners since 2021 when Ballard agreed to deliver approximately 10 MW of fuel cell engines and integrate fuel cell engines into hydrogen-powered locomotives.
The retrofitted prototype diesel freight locomotives have undergone various tests since 2022 and include hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage and battery packs. CPKC will use them for regular switching and freight service applications in Alberta.