CP’s hydrogen locomotive program garners a ‘mobility award’ at inaugural convention

By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor 

Canadian Pacific is making headway with a program aimed at developing North America’s first line-haul locomotive powered by hydrogen. That effort recently garnered some recognition. 

The Canadian Hydrogen Convention named CP the winner of a Hydrogen Mobility Award during its inaugural event, held April 26-28 in Edmonton, Alberta. Organizers of the event — which is considered the country’s largest showcase of hydrogen as net-zero emissions enabler — are striving to help position Canada as a global hydrogen superpower. 

Presented on April 27, the Hydrogen Mobility Awards recognize innovations that overcome hydrogen mobility challenges. Convention organizers also presented awards to “leaders, innovators and trailblazers” who are helping to advance the energy sector in Canada. 

CP established its hydrogen locomotive program in 2020. The Class I is retrofitting three diesel locomotives to operate via a combination of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, which are designed to power the electric traction motors. 

CP is retrofitting three diesel locomotives to operate via a combination of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, which are designed to power the electric traction motors. Canadian Pacific

“Supported by $15 million in project funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta, CP’s program will demonstrate and evaluate the technical performance of hydrogen-powered locomotives and supporting fueling infrastructure in real-world operations,” convention officials said in an online post. “The program will generate critical industry knowledge that will inform future development, help establish Alberta as a global center of excellence in hydrogen and freight-rail systems, and assist CP in meeting its climate change and sustainability objectives.” 

To accommodate hydrogen locomotive operations, CP is installing hydrogen production and fueling facilities at its yards in Calgary and Edmonton. The Calgary fueling facility will include an electrolysis plant to produce hydrogen from water and will operate via renewable power generated by solar panels at CP's headquarters in Calgary. 

The Edmonton facility will include a small-scale steam methane reformation system designed to generate hydrogen from Alberta's natural gas resources. The system will be constructed to accommodate the possible addition of greenhouse-gas capture equipment. 

CP recently contracted the ATCO Group to provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the two hydrogen production and refueling facilities. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the production and supply of locomotive hydrogen to start in 2023.