Ballard secures follow-on order from CPKC to power zero-emission rail in North America

Ballard Power Systems has announced the signing of a new Long Term Supply Agreement (LTSA) with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), which includes the initial supply of 98 fuel cell engines for the North American freight rail market - with delivery of all  modules expected in 2025.

Integrating two Ballard FCwave^™ zero-emission engines into each CPKC unit will provide a total of approximately 20 MW of clean power.

The LTSA builds on an existing partnership with CPKC, which started in 2021.  During this period, Ballard has delivered  approximately 10 MW of fuel cell engines, validating the successful integration of the company's fuel cell engines into hydrogen-powered locomotives for regular switching and freight service applications in Alberta, Canada.  The fuel cell engines will support the expansion of CPKC's successful hydrogen locomotive program.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to further develop our strategic relationship with CPKC to decarbonize not only their locomotive fleet but also participate in the electrification of freight rail across North America. This order represents a step forward in CPKC’s decarbonization vision and confidence in hydrogen fuel cells as a potential long-term replacement of diesel engines, providing the environmental benefits along with long range, fast refueling, heavy payloads, and cold weather operation.”

 

Randy MacEwen CEO, Ballard

As part of the new LTSA, Ballard will supply fuel cell modules to support the expansion of CPKC’s H20EL locomotive program. The fuel cell engines will also be used in hydrogen conversion kits to transition other train operators to low-carbon locomotives, including through the CPKC-CSX joint venture.

CPKC’s high-horsepower hydrogen locomotive, CP 1200, completed the first of three phases of testing in September, successfully hauling both loaded and empty bulk trains. achieved an exciting milestone on Sept. 4-5, successfully completing its first phase of testing which involved hauling both loaded and empty bulk trains. 

“This latest order of 20MW of Ballard fuel cells is a significant step in our hydrogen locomotive program, and we regard it as a defining moment for us and our industry. CPKC is proud to be working with Ballard in this endeavour and hope that we continue to grow together in 2025 and beyond as we steer the industry towards a low-carbon future.”

 

Kyle Mulligan Assistant Vice President, Operations Technology, CPKC

Prototype diesel freight locomotives retrofitted with hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage and battery packs have undergone various testing at CPKC since 2022. CPKC currently has three hydrogen-powered locomotives in operation.