Each boasting a 1MW electrolyser, compression, storage and dispensing systems, the Calgary installation is using renewable power from CPKC’s existing 5MW solar farm to power electrolysis.
CPKC has ordered a total of 40 200kW fuel cells from Ballard which it has been using to retrofit locomotives in a bid to cut its emissions.
The two new facilities are expected to serve as a model for future complementary projects across Canada, according to CPKC and ATCO.
Mark Brown, Executive Vice-President of Projects and Operations at ATCO, stressed, “This advancement marks significant progress in utilising hydrogen as a fuel source for commercial transportation and reflects ATCO EnPower’s commitment to building a sustainable future by providing innovative energy solutions for our customers.”
“These fuelling facilities are an important part of advancing the ongoing testing of our hydrogen locomotives and advancing the development of our industry-leading programme working toward a lower carbon transportation future,” added Kyle Mulligan, CPKC Assistant Vice-President Operations Technology.
CPKC has been pursuing hydrogen-powered locomotives since 2020.
Having launched its first prototype in 2021, last year, the firm announced plans to expand its retrofitting programme.
