HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and CSX Corporation (CSX) have revealed their plans to establish a joint venture focused on the development and implementation of hydrogen locomotive conversion kits for diesel electric locomotives.
The announcement signals a significant step towards reducing emissions in the railway industry.
The collaboration will commence with CSX’s conversion of one of its diesel locomotives, utilizing a hydrogen conversion kit developed by CPKC. The conversion process will take place at CSX’s locomotive shop in Huntington, West Virginia.
Keith Creel, President and CEO of CPKC, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This innovative collaboration expands our hydrogen locomotive program beyond a single railroad and represents an exciting next step in proving the long-term viability of hydrogen as a solution to emissions reduction for our industry. Our hydrogen locomotive went from concept to reality in 24 months, with the first zero-emissions hydrogen locomotive already in revenue service. We look forward to this collaboration as we work to create a lower carbon future.”
Joe Hinrichs, President and CEO of CSX, also expressed optimism, saying, “CSX looks forward to working as a partner with CPKC in the development of the hydrogen locomotive program as it demonstrates our commitment to implementing alternative fuel solutions that could further enhance our emissions performance and offer our customers an even more environmentally-friendly transportation solution. This exciting initiative will greatly benefit from the expertise of CSX’s advanced, large-scale facilities, where the locomotives will be built.”
The adoption of hydrogen locomotives holds significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the railway sector, which heavily relies on diesel-powered locomotives.
CSX and CPKC recognize the importance of rail in achieving a lower carbon economy and believe that finding a long-term alternative fuel solution is essential.
In December 2020, Canadian Pacific (CP) unveiled plans to develop North America’s first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive by retrofitting a diesel freight locomotive with hydrogen fuel cells and battery technology to power its electric traction motors.
The prototype, designed and constructed by CP engineers, successfully made its inaugural movement under its own power in late 2021. By the end of 2022, the locomotive had completed its first revenue runs, accumulating over 1,000 miles of testing in revenue service.
CPKC has also made strides in the hydrogen locomotive sector, deploying a second hydrogen-powered locomotive for testing in terminal operations.
This program expansion has received support from funding awarded by Emissions Reduction Alberta and the Government of Canada Low Carbon Economy Fund. The second hydrogen locomotive is anticipated to enter service later in 2023.
The joint venture between CPKC and CSX marks a significant collaboration within the railway industry to combat emissions and explore sustainable alternatives. By combining their expertise and resources, both companies aim to make substantial progress in creating a more environmentally-friendly transportation solution for the future.
