Decarbonization of Rail Transport: Ballard Power Receives Another Fuel Cell Major Order From CPKC For North American Locomotives

Vancouver, Canada - Fuel cell specialist Ballard Power Systems has announced the signing of a new Long Term Supply Agreement (LTSA) with railroad operator Canadian Pacific Kansas City.

The contract covers the supply of 98 fuel cell engines for use in North American rail freight transportation. Each engine has a rated output of 200 kW, resulting in a total contractual output of around 20 MW. Delivery of the systems is scheduled for 2025.

The supply contract builds on a partnership between Ballard and CPKC initiated in 2021. This cooperation included the supply of fuel cell engines with a capacity of around 10 MW and the integration of Ballard fuel cell engines into hydrogen-powered locomotives for regular shunting and freight services in Alberta, Canada.

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

“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,” Ballard Power President and CEO Randy MacEwen commented on the order.

Ballard Power shares were among the best-performing RENIXX stocks last week, rising 8.6 percent to EUR 1.52. Compared to the start of the year, however, the share is still down 56 percent.

Source: IWR Online, 09 Dec 2024