Demonstrating a Hydrogen Locomotive for Short-line Rail Applications

Offering a cleaner alternative to diesel-powered locomotives, GTI Energy and Sierra Northern Railway (SNR) are leading a project to develop a hydrogen-fueled, zero-emissions locomotive to reduce transportation air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions for SNR’s short-line operations, which serve the railyard and seaport in West Sacramento.

GTI Energy and the project team designed, built, and successfully tested a switcher locomotive that integrates an advanced hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen storage, advanced battery, and control and safety systems. Most switcher locomotives in California use an average of 50,000 gallons per year per switcher potentially leading to a reduction of more than 12 million gallons of diesel per year. This is approximately equivalent to the same amount of fuel used each year by 20,000 light-duty vehicles.

The demonstration will validate the technology, demonstrate how it can reduce noise and odor from rail operations in surrounding communities, establish a platform for widespread commercialization, and showcase a practical solution for adding more fuel options to local economies.

California Energy Commission is sponsoring the project with a $4 million grant to further California’s environmental objectives. Southern California Gas Company, Low-Carbon Resources Initiative (LCRI), Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, and project partners are providing an additional $2 million in funding. The team of rail and hydrogen industry experts also includes Railpower Tech LLC, Ballard Power Systems, OptiFuel Systems LLC, UC Riverside, WHA International, Inc., Valley Vision, and Velocity Strategies.

The locomotive will start operating in revenue service in late 2025 and will be followed by three next-generation locomotives in 2027, funded by the California State Transportation Agency.