Ballard Power Systems has announced the signing of a new supply agreement with California-based rail operator Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) for the supply of 1.5 MW of fuel cell engines, expected to be delivered in 2025.
As part of SERA’s efforts to decarbonize its operations across California, 12 Ballard FCmove®-XD fuel cell engines will be supplied to convert three diesel switching locomotives to hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission locomotives. The 120kW modules are specifically designed for heavy-duty applications, offering high reliability, durability, efficiency and power density, and provide the benefits of clean mobility without the need for costly overhead catenary systems.
This latest agreement continues Ballard’s momentum in decarbonizing the North American freight rail sector, and strengthens a partnership with SERA that has already undergone successful first-phase testing of a four-unit fuel cell switching locomotive fleet that is powered by Ballard.
Testing of SERA’s latest switching locomotives will be carried out on a planned test track at the company’s railyard in West Sacramento and is expected to run until the end of 2027. The forward ambition from SERA is that
The collaboration with SERA underscores the versatility of Ballard’s industry leading fuel cell technology, and the critical role hydrogen-based innovation plays in advancing sustainable rail solutions.
Trains powered by Ballard fuel cells offer safe and reliable zero-emission operations, including long range, fast refueling, and flexible operation across a wide variety of routes and environmental conditions.