Sierra Northern introduces hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission locomotive

Sierra Northern Railway yesterday unveiled the nation’s first four-axle, hydrogen-powered, zero-emission switcher locomotive.

Developed with Railpower Technologies, the unit was designed, built and tested in West Sacramento, California, Sierra Northern officials said in a press release. Designed specifically for freight-rail applications, the prototype replaces about 10,000 gallons of diesel annually, they said.

Statewide, California’s 260 switcher locomotives each consume an average of 50,000 gallons per year, according to industry estimates. Converting them to hydrogen power could cut more than 12 million gallons of diesel annually, which is the equivalent of removing nearly 20,000 cars from the road, Sierra Northern officials said.

The California Energy Commission awarded $4 million to design and demonstrate the prototype. In 2023, the California State Transportation Agency and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District provided $19.5 million to expand the fleet with three additional locomotives. Technology partners include GTI Energy, OptiFuel Systems, Railpower Tech, Ballard Power Systems, and the University of California, Riverside.

“This is a milestone not only for Sierra Northern but for the future of freight in California and beyond,” said Sierra Northern President and CEO Kennan Beard III. “Hydrogen locomotives offer a proven, scalable way to deliver cleaner air while keeping goods moving efficiently.”