Ballard fuel cells to power expansion of CP’s Hydrogen Locomotive Program

VANCOUVER — Ballard Power Systems has received an order for eight additional 200 kW fuel cell modules to support the expansion of Canadian Pacific’s Hydrogen Locomotive Program from one to three locomotives, with expected delivery in 2022.

Inclusive of Ballard’s announcement in March 2021. The company will provide a total of 14 fuel cell modules. According to the company,  each module has a rated power output of 200 kW to support this program.

The company stated that CP expanded its Hydrogen Locomotive Program from one to three hydrogen locomotives.

The company also stated that this expansion is partially supported by $15 million in funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta as part of its Shovel-Ready Challenge announced late last year.

CP intends to refine the process of converting diesel-electric powertrains to hydrogen-electric powertrains over a series of three categories of locomotives which collectively represent the majority of locomotives in use throughout North America.

“In expanding this groundbreaking project, CP is demonstrating its commitment to combatting climate change through transformative technology,” said Keith Creel, CP’s President and Chief Executive Officer in a statement.

“I am very pleased that Emissions Reduction Alberta selected this program for a grant and I eagerly anticipate seeing a hydrogen-powered locomotive move CP customer freight in the near future.”