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Ballard promotes sustainable goals for green railways by powering Sierra Northern locomotive project

Ballard Power Systems continues to supply the fuel cell power for decarbonized locomotive project fronted by Sierra Northern Railway in California, U.S.



Rendering of SERA's zero-emission hydrogen-powered switching locomotive [image courtesy of SERA]

 

When completed in 2027, a new decarbonized locomotive project will expand Sierra Northern Railway's (SERA) hydrogen-powered switching locomotives to a fleet of four. Powered by Ballard Power Systems' 200kW FCwave™ fuel cell engine, the project supports SERA's ambition to convert its entire fleet to zero-emission and help decarbonize all 260+ if its switchers in California, U.S. 

 

The retrofit project, funded by the California State Transportation Authority and supported by GTI Energy, is converting diesel switcher locomotives to zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell technology, a transition that will significantly reduce CO2, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions. Overall project costs total nearly $20m and will assist SERA's ongoing efforts in developing hydrogen-powered switching units.

 

SERA will convert and test a fleet of four hydrogen fuel cell-powered trains, with each locomotive powered by two Ballard 200kW modules - providing superior support in terms of payload, range of refueling requirements. Ballard is currently delivering fuel cell support to a range of advanced projects in the rail sector, including the Siemens Mireo H2's recent test drives and CP Rail's hydrogen-powered initiatives in Canada.

 

SERA's project transforms an older Tier 0 diesel locomotive into a zero-emission switcher using proven hydrogen technology. The decarbonization process involves the integration of an advanced hydrogen fuel cell - supplied by Ballard - hydrogen storage, advanced battery, and system control technologies that provide a green alternative to existing polluting diesel-powered units.

 

Kennan H. Beard quote

 

Testing will be carried out on a planned test track at SERA’s railyard in West Sacramento and is expected to run until the end of 2027 – where it is hoped successful completion of testing will instigate the ramp-up of converting SERA’s entire fleet of switchers to hydrogen power, and eventually all 260 switcher locomotives in California.

 

Ballard is the fuel cell partner in a 10-player project ecosystem that includes SERA, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Railpower Tech, and Velocity Strategies, with critical additional funding from the California Energy Commission, SoCalGas Research Development & Demonstration, and the Low-Carbon Resources Initiative.

 

 

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