Demonstrating a real-world example of hydrogen technology moving from pilot projects into heavy-duty, everyday industrial use – CPKC’s participation at the 2026 Canadian Hydrogen Convention shone a spotlight on its fuel cell freight locomotive program, centered around the CP 1200 zero-emission locomotive that is powered by Ballard.
Taking place from April 21-23 at the Edmonton Convention Center, the annual event is Canada’s largest dedicated to hydrogen and brings together thousands of transport operators, technology suppliers, industry players, and government officials under the show's theme of moving towards real-world deployment.
CPKC’s participation included a guided tour of the innovative Clover Bar hydrogen electrolyzer facility, giving attendees a first-hand look at how hydrogen is produced and supplied to power the CP 1200 locomotive. The tour also provided an opportunity to explore the advanced electrolyzer technology in greater detail before witnessing the locomotive being refueled in real time — demonstrating the critical role hydrogen and fuel cells play in enabling a zero-emission rail network.
[Footage courtesy of CPKC]
CPKC’s hydrogen-powered locomotive had a significant presence at the conference as a case study of a technology that has already demonstrated substantial operational experience. The locomotive completed its first phase of heavy-haul testing in September 2024, hauling 152 loaded gondola cars between Sparwood and Golden, British Columbia.
For attendees, this was an opportunity to see a proven hydrogen-powered locomotive that has successfully moved commercial freight across Canada's demanding mountainous terrain, demonstrating the real-world potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology in rail applications.
CPKC’s high-horsepower hydrogen locomotive integrates two FCwave™ zero-emission fuel cell engines into each unit. Ballard’s module is scalable from 200kW to 2MW, leveraging extensive experience from heavy-duty fuel cell engine product development for demanding applications and climates. FCwave™ provides a flexible, industrial grade decarbonized power solution that is low in total lifecycle cost and easily adaptable to power and space requirements.
As part of an established collaboration, CPKC and Ballard announced a long-term service agreement in December 2024 , which will see Ballard supply 98 fuel cell engines to CPKC over the next few years – providing approximately 20MW of clean power.
CPKC’s appearance at the 2026 Canadian Hydrogen Convention was focused on demonstrating tangible progress. At a convention focused on proving hydrogen's practical value, the CP 1200 became one of the clearest examples of hydrogen being applied effectively to the difficult-to-decarbonize heavy freight rail sector – and an example to excite and inspire other players within the industry.