SPARWOOD, British Columbia — CPKC announced a successful completion in the first of three phases of testing for its high-horsepower hydrogen road locomotive. The initial runs are part of a multi-year contract with Elk Valley Resources of the Glencore Group (formally Teck Resources Ltd.) to launch a first-of-its-kind pilot program of coal trains with hydrogen fuel-cell motive power [See “CPKC, Teck Resources pilot program…” News Wire, May 4, 2023].
“This collaboration with CPKC to pioneer hydrogen locomotive technology supports our climate action strategy and our objective of achieving net zero by 2050,” Teck CEO Jonathan Price said in a 2023 statement upon the initial partnership. “The agreement complements our Neptune Terminals investment and other secured West Coast port capacity to support the efficient movement of our high-quality Canadian steelmaking coal to our global customers.”
In a recent news release by CPKC, No. 1200 and its dedicated fuel tender No. 10001 joined three diesel locomotives and a loaded bulk train of 152 gondolas on a Sept. 4 run from Sparwood to Golden, B.C. The return trip, the following day, consisted of 152 empties.
“The first phase of testing was a complete success, and we couldn’t be happier with the results,” said Kyle Mulligan, CPKC Assistant Vice-President Operations Technology. “Our team has worked tirelessly to reach this milestone, advancing our hydrogen locomotive program and steering the industry towards a low-carbon future.”
— Updated Sept. 20 at 1:30 p.m. with correct information on Elk Valley Resources today serving as the partner with CPKC.
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