Canadian Pacific to source fuel cells - Smart Energy Decisions

Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  March 11, 2021

Canadian Pacific to source fuel cells for hydrogen-powered locomotive

Canadian Pacific (CP) announced March 9 that it will be receiving 1.2 MW of electricity for its locomotive by employing fuel cell modules from Ballard Power Systems for its Hydrogen Locomotive Program.

The transcontinental railway operator plans to develop North America’s first hydrogen-powered line-haul freight locomotive through the program by retrofitting a formerly diesel-powered locomotive with the fuel cells from Ballard. The fuel cells will work alongside battery technology to power the electric traction motors.

CP hopes to test this technology for its viability in the freight-rail sector. Ballard plans to deliver six 200 kW fuel cell modules to CP in 2021 and will provide support during the integration of the modules.

"With this purchase from Ballard, a leader in the hydrogen fuel cell industry, CP further demonstrates its commitment to developing the next generation of locomotive – one that produces zero emissions," Keith Creel, CP President and CEO, said in a statement. "How we power our trains matters to our customers, employees, shareholders, and to the communities we operate in. This technology holds the possibility of eliminating emissions from freight train operations, which already represent the most efficient method of moving goods over land."


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