Canadian Pacific (CP) will employ Ballard fuel cell modules for its Hydrogen Locomotive Program. The modules will provide a total of 1.2 MW of electricity to power the locomotive.

Through its Hydrogen Locomotive Program, CP will develop North America’s first hydrogen-powered line-haul freight locomotive by retrofitting a formerly diesel-powered locomotive with Ballard hydrogen fuel cells. The fuel cells will work with battery technology to power the locomotive’s electric traction motors. Once operational, CP will conduct rail service trials and qualification testing to evaluate the technology’s readiness for the freight-rail sector.

Ballard plans to deliver six of its 200-kW fuel cell modules to CP in 2021. In addition, Ballard will provide support to enable integration of the modules into the locomotive.