CSX Transportation on April 16, 2024 completed retrofits on its first hydrogen-powered locomotive, shown here in this undated photo. The work was done at CSX’s Huntington shops and involved retrofitting an existing locomotive with a kit supplied by the Canada-based Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroad company.
CSX Transportation on April 16, 2024 completed retrofits on its first hydrogen-powered locomotive, shown here in this undated photo. The work was done at CSX’s Huntington shops and involved retrofitting an existing locomotive with a kit supplied by the Canada-based Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroad company.
HUNTINGTON — on Tuesday unveiled its first hydrogen-powered locomotive — which was retrofitted in Huntington.
The locomotive was converted from an existing diesel locomotive using a hydrogen conversion kit developed by the Canadian-based railroad company. It was built less than 12 months after the collaboration between CSX and CPKC was announced in the summer of 2023.
According to a CSX news release, hydrogen “presents a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering greater efficiency and zero emissions. Unlike traditional diesel engines, hydrogen-powered locomotives emit only water vapor, contributing to cleaner air and environment.â€
CSX will deploy the new hydrogen-powered locomotive for field testing and further evaluate its performance and operational feasibility.
“The successful debut of our first hydrogen-powered locomotive stands as a testament to the exceptional skill and dedication of our employees at the CSX Huntington locomotive shop,†CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs said in the release.
“CSX’s commitment to sustainability in our operations is exemplified by the outstanding efforts of these employees, who, through their craftsmanship, are helping advance our collaboration with CPKC. We are proud to work with CPKC to scale this hydrogen technology and help pave the way for meaningful sustainable solutions for the future.â€
Converting an existing unit into a next-generation locomotive further extends the useful life of the asset. The conversion team reused several components, including the frame, cab, traction motors and trucks, the release said.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City was formed by the merger of Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern in 2023. Canadian Pacific announced plans in December 2020 to develop North America’s first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive by retrofitting a diesel freight locomotive with hydrogen fuel cells and battery technology to drive the locomotive’s electric traction motors. The prototype, designed and built by in-house CP engineers, made its first movement under its own power in late 2021. By the end of 2022, the locomotive had made its first revenue moves.
