Sierra Northern Railway has acquired RailPower to accelerate hydrogen-powered locomotives, modernizing California’s rail system. This initiative promotes sustainability and reduces emissions across short-line operations. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Sierra Northern Railway has acquired RailPower to accelerate hydrogen-powered locomotives, modernizing California’s rail system.
The merger is said to integrate RailPower’s hybrid tech with SNR’s hydrogen-fuel capabilities, advancing the development of zero-emission trains. Credit: Scharfsinn/Shutterstock.

Sierra Northern Railway’s Hydrogen-Powered Vision

RailPower has produced 190 locomotives, including 55 GG20B switchers and 116 RP20BD genset models. These fuel-efficient engines support industrial switching, port operations, and short-line freight movement.

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Sierra Northern Railway plans to adapt RailPower’s innovations into hydrogen-powered locomotives, prioritizing California’s short-line rail sector. Financial backing and partnerships with state agencies support this transformation.

The California Energy Commission and California State Transportation Agency have funded this clean-energy initiative. Sierra Northern Railway has already tested hydrogen-powered locomotives in real-world applications.

Sierra Northern Railway’s Expansion and Investment

Sierra Northern Railway operates 75 miles of track in Northern California and 30 miles in the Southern region. The railway interchanges with BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad.

In 2021, Sierra Northern Railway received a $4M grant to develop a hydrogen-powered locomotive, replacing outdated diesel engines. This initiative aligns with California’s broader clean-energy objectives.

By July 2023, the company secured an additional $19.5M to expand hydrogen rail technology. The investment will support new switching locomotives in the Sacramento region.

By 2027, Sierra Northern Railway plans to operate four hydrogen-fueled locomotives, demonstrating scalable, zero-emission solutions. This effort contributes to replacing California’s 260 short-line switchers with sustainable alternatives.

Sierra Northern Railway’s acquisition of RailPower accelerates hydrogen rail innovation, pushing California’s rail sector toward a greener future.

Source: www.railway-technology.com

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