Ballard Power Systems has announced a supply agreement with California-based Sierra Northern Railway for the delivery of 1.5 megawatts of hydrogen fuel cell power in 2025. The order includes 12 Ballard FCmove®-XD modules, which will be used to retrofit three diesel-powered switching locomotives to zero-emission hydrogen-electric operation.
The retrofit supports Sierra Northern’s broader efforts to decarbonize rail operations across California. Ballard’s heavy-duty fuel cell technology provides a direct replacement for diesel engines without requiring catenary infrastructure and is designed to offer long range, fast refueling, and operational flexibility.
This deployment marks another milestone in the adoption of hydrogen technologies in U.S. freight rail, furthering state and industry goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transportation.