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CPKC 1200, a high-horsepower hydrogen unit, was tested on a loaded coal train across the Cranbrook and Windermere Subdivisions earlier this month. The train is seen crossing the Kootenay River near Wasa, B.C. Photo Courtesy of CPKC.

CPKC Hydrogen Unit Tested in B.C.

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

CPKC officials said this month that they conducted a successful main line test of a new high-horsepower hydrogen unit in British Columbia. On September 4 and 5, locomotive 1200 and its dedicated fuel tender joined three diesel locomotives on a 152-car coal train between Sparwood and Golden, B.C.

In 2020, Canadian Pacific announced plans to develop a hydrogen-powered locomotive. The railroad has said it would be more effective in cold climates than a battery-powered unit and since then it has built three. Until now the locomotives have been kept in the Calgary area, although late this summer locomotive 1200 made a trip down to Lethbridge, Alberta. The most recent run across CPKC’s Cranbrook and Windermere subdivisions, was the biggest test yet for the new technology.

“The first phase of testing was a complete success, and we couldn’t be happier with the results,” said Kyle Mulligan, 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.”

CPKC is working with Glencore Canada’s Elk Valley Resouces to use the hydrogen-powered units on the point of coal trains in southeast British Columbia.