HGmotive, CPKC Partner on Hydrogen Fueling System
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
CPKC/HGmotive photo
HGmotive Inc. (formerly CNGmotive Inc.) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) will this year be jointly testing a hydrogen fueling system with the HGmotive™ Prototype Tender, which started operational testing on CPKC tracks in November 2023.
The HGmotive™ Prototype Tender will facilitate the use of hydrogen for fuel cells on freight locomotives and comply with all the safety requirements and regulations outlined by Transport Canada, The Association of American Railroads, Federal Railroad Administration, and Department of Transportation. As testing continues, the HGmotive™ team is working on a larger capacity hydrogen tender. The prototype is expected to be available for validation and commissioning by mid-2025.
“We are honored to support CPKC as they expand development of the hydrogen fuel systems and decarbonize critical transportation routes,” said David Scott, President and CEO of HGmotive Inc.
“We look forward to this collaboration with HGmotive to assist us in utilizing hydrogen as a locomotive fuel as we work to create a lower carbon future,” said Kyle Mulligan, CPKC Assistant Vice President, Operations Technology.
HGmotive notes it “focuses on helping the rail industry to decarbonize while delivering the best economics and reliability, and offers safe, clean, and sustainable solutions.
“North America’s commitment to reducing railroad locomotive emissions stands as a top priority,” noted Scott. “The challenge lies in achieving emission reduction while simultaneously maintaining and enhancing safety standards on railroads. Two viable solutions to attaining zero emissions are the utilization of hydrogen as a fuel source or employing battery-powered locomotives.
“In addition to weight constraints that decrease the line-haul utility of battery powered locomotives, the unique topography of certain rail lines restricts the feasibility of employing batteries except in specific and limited traffic corridors. Hydrogen is emerging as a promising and viable net-zero emissions alternative to diesel and other alternative fuel solutions. However, locomotives powered by hydrogen are unable to carry sufficient onboard hydrogen to meet the needs of today’s long haul track routes. To accommodate the need for additional hydrogen it was necessary to develop a hydrogen tender—a specialized railcar designed to transport hydrogen and provide fuel to the locomotive. The hydrogen tender’s capacity matches or exceeds that of the volume of diesel carried by conventional locomotives.
“The AAR is actively working on specifications for incorporating hydrogen tenders into the M-1004 Standards for Alternative Fuels for Locomotives. HGmotive is pioneering this effort with the first hydrogen tender, currently undergoing testing with CPKC and soon to be in commercial line-haul operations. This tender is compliant with the current M-1004 specifications. Our progress in development of this commercial-ready tender marks the initial step in a series of tenders set to be produced in the coming years.
“To be a part of the future of zero emissions in rail transport, taking proactive steps, such as placing orders for hydrogen tenders, becomes imperative. HGmotive stands as the forefront solution, paving the way for sustainable advancement in rail transportation.”
