US Hydrogen Locomotive: Sierra Northern’s Rail Innovation

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Introduction

Sierra Northern Railway has launched the first four-axle, hydrogen-powered, zero-emission switcher locomotive in the United States. Developed in West Sacramento, California, with Railpower Technologies, the locomotive is intended for freight-rail operations and is expected to displace approximately 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel each year.

Locomotive Development and Design

The locomotive, developed by Sierra Northern Railway and Railpower Technologies, was designed, built, and tested in West Sacramento, California. It is engineered for freight-rail use.

Environmental Impact and Diesel Displacement

California’s 260 switcher locomotives currently consume an average of 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually. Converting these locomotives to hydrogen power could reduce diesel consumption by over 12 million gallons per year. This reduction is equivalent to removing almost 20,000 cars from road traffic.

Funding and Expansion

The California Energy Commission contributed $4 million towards the design and demonstration of the prototype locomotive. In 2023, the California State Transportation Agency and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District provided $19.5 million to support the expansion of the fleet with three additional locomotives.

Technology Partnerships

Key technology partners for the project include GTI Energy, OptiFuel Systems, Ballard Power Systems, and the University of California, Riverside.

Conclusion

Sierra Northern Railway introduced the first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission switcher locomotive, developed in collaboration with Railpower Technologies. Financial support was provided by the California Energy Commission, the California State Transportation Agency, and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. The project involves multiple technology partners and aims to reduce diesel consumption significantly.

Company Summary

Sierra Northern Railway: Developed the first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission switcher locomotive in partnership with Railpower Technologies.

Railpower Technologies: Collaborated with Sierra Northern Railway on the development of the hydrogen-powered locomotive.

GTI Energy: A technology partner in the hydrogen-powered locomotive project.

OptiFuel Systems: A technology partner in the hydrogen-powered locomotive project.

Ballard Power Systems: A technology partner in the hydrogen-powered locomotive project.

California State Transportation Agency: Provided funding for expanding the hydrogen locomotive fleet.

Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District: Provided funding for expanding the hydrogen locomotive fleet.

University of California, Riverside: A technology partner in the hydrogen-powered locomotive project.

California Energy Commission: Provided funding for the design and demonstration of the prototype.

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