CPKC, CSX to jointly develop hydrogen locomotives

Canadian Pacific Kansas City and CSX yesterday announced their intent to enter into a joint venture for the building and deployment of hydrogen locomotive conversion kits for diesel-electric locomotives.

As an initial step in the collaboration, CSX plans to convert one of its diesel locomotives using a hydrogen conversion kit developed by CPKC. The conversion work will be done at CSX’s locomotive shop in Huntington, West Virginia, CSX and CPKC officials said in a joint press release.

The collaboration will expand CPKC’s hydrogen locomotive program beyond a single railroad, said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel.

"Our hydrogen locomotive went from concept to reality in 24 months with the first zero emissions hydrogen locomotive having already pulled freight in revenue service. We look forward to this collaboration as we work to create a lower-carbon future," Creel said.

Nearly the entire freight locomotive fleet of North American railroad operators are in consists of diesel-powered units, representing the industry's most significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Rail has an important role to play in a lower-carbon economy and the industry needs a long-term, effective alternative fuel solution, CPKC and CSX officials said.

The project with CPKC demonstrates CSX’s commitment to implement alternative fuel solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, said CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs.

"This exciting initiative will greatly benefit from the expertise of CSX’s advanced, large-scale facilities, where the locomotives will be built," he added.

In December 2020, Canadian Pacific announced plans to develop North America’s first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive by retrofitting a diesel freight locomotive with hydrogen fuel cells and battery technology to drive the locomotive's electric traction motors. Designed and built by in-house CP engineers, the prototype made its first movement under its own power in late 2021.

By the end of 2022, the locomotive had made its first revenue moves and now has accumulated more than 1,000 miles of testing in revenue service.

CPKC has deployed a second hydrogen locomotive for testing in terminal operations, a program expansion supported by funding from the Emissions Reduction Alberta and the Government of Canada Low Carbon Economy Fund. The second hydrogen locomotive is expected to enter service later this year.