Hydrogen-Battery Locomotive Testing Completed in the United States

In West Sacramento, testing of a shunting locomotive powered by hydrogen-battery traction has been completed. The tests were part of a project launched in 2021 by Sierra Northern Railway. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The company modernized a Railpower RP20BD locomotive, originally produced by the American firm Railpower Technologies.

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The updated version includes two hydrogen fuel cells from Ballard, each with a capacity of 200 kW, and 500 kWh battery systems.

Results of Hydrogen-Battery Locomotive Testing

The project was funded by a $4 million grant from the California Energy Commission. These funds enabled not only the modernization of the locomotive but also comprehensive testing on a dedicated line in West Sacramento.

During testing, experts evaluated the efficiency of hydrogen traction, the reliability of battery performance, and the overall safety of operations. Emission levels and fuel efficiency were also compared against diesel-powered counterparts.

Testing of the New Locomotive and Future Plans

In 2023, Sierra Northern Railway received an additional $19.5 million from the California Transportation Agency. The funding will support the modernization of three more locomotives using the same hydrogen-battery approach.

Testing for all four locomotives is expected to continue through the end of 2027. This extended period will help confirm the technology’s effectiveness and adaptability in various operational conditions.

The development of hydrogen solutions in rail transport offers new potential for reducing the carbon footprint. Ballard’s technology ensures both sustainability and operational cost-efficiency.

Looking ahead, the company intends to expand the program and deploy these modernized locomotives across different segments of its network. This will improve logistics flexibility and accelerate the transition to zero-emission transport in the region.

Thus, the tests completed in California demonstrate hydrogen technology’s readiness for nationwide deployment. The project stands as a successful example of integrating innovation into traditional transportation infrastructure.

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