---
title: Ballard powers SERA zero-emission locomotive project in U.S.
description: Ballard Power Systems continues to supply the fuel cell power for decarbonized locomotive project fronted by Sierra Northern Railway in California, U.S.
---

[Ballard Rail Blog ](https://blog.ballard.com/rail)

# [Ballard powers SERA zero-emission locomotive project in U.S.](https://blog.ballard.com/rail/ballard-powers-sierra-northern-zero-emission-locomotive-project)

 Written by [Nicole Fritz-Bleeck](https://blog.ballard.com/rail/author/nicole-fritz-bleeck) | Jan. 27, 2024

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](https://www.ballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FCwave_20241008.pdf), the project supports SERA's ambition to convert its entire fleet to zero-emission and help decarbonize all 260+ of 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](https://blog.ballard.com/rail/ballard-200kw-fuel-cells-test-drive-siemens-mireo)'s recent test drives and [CP Rail's hydrogen-powered initiatives](https://app.hubspot.com/blog/2007428/editor/147809893764/preview) 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.

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.

[View full post](https://blog.ballard.com/rail/ballard-powers-sierra-northern-zero-emission-locomotive-project)

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