Good news for California & the Future: Hydrogen Fuel Cells to Power California Freight Rail Retrofit [View all]

Hydrogen Fuel Cells to Power California Freight Rail Retrofit

EnvironmentEnergyLeader | Kaleigh Harrison | June 11, 2025

The shift toward low-emission rail transport is picking up steam in California, with Sierra Northern Railway set to retrofit three diesel locomotives using hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Under a new $1.5 million supply agreement announced June 5, 2025, Vancouver-based Ballard Power Systems will deliver 12 FCmove-XD fuel cell engines to support the conversion. The initiative represents a targeted approach to decarbonize short-line rail operations and meet California’s tightening environmental regulations.

Unlike passenger rail networks where electrification through overhead wires is more feasible, freight operators often require alternative solutions that maintain route flexibility. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a way forward by providing consistent power output and eliminating the need for extensive new infrastructure.

The FCmove-XD modules are designed for heavy-duty applications, making them well suited to replace diesel engines on non-electrified freight rail lines. Key operational advantages include long-range capabilities and rapid refueling—essential in freight operations that cannot afford lengthy downtimes.

For Sierra Northern Railway, which operates nearly 105 miles of track across Northern and Southern California, the project fits into the state’s broader drive to slash transportation emissions and trial emerging clean energy technologies.

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https://environmentenergyleader.com/stories/hydrogen-fuel-cells-to-power-california-freight-rail-retrofit,80065