CSX Unveils Its First Hydrogen-Powered Locomotive in Collaboration with CPKC
Byline: Steve O’Connor
CSX and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) partners to unveil a hydrogen-powered locomotive after less than 12 months of their arrangement. This production is CSX’s first hydrogen-powered locomotive. To create the locomotive, CSX used a hydrogen conversion kit supplied by CPKC to transform a diesel locomotive. The locomotive will next undergo field testing and further evaluation.
CSX, a premier transportation company based in Jacksonville, Florida, has unveiled its first hydrogen-powered locomotive, marking a significant milestone in sustainable freight transportation.
The company provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products
This latest pioneering achievement is the result of a successful partnership between CSX and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.
It comes after nearly 200 years of experience of playing a critical role in the nation’s economic expansion and industrial development. CSX’s network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation’s population resides.
It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centres and farming towns alike.
Converting a Diesel Locomotive to a Hydrogen-Powered Locomotive
The hydrogen locomotive was converted from an existing diesel locomotive using a hydrogen conversion kit developed by CPKC. The transformation took place at the CSX locomotive shop in Huntington, W.Va.
CSX President and Chief Executive Officer, Joe Hinrichs, said:
The successful debut of our first hydrogen-powered locomotive stands as a testament to the exceptional skill and dedication of our employees at the CSX Huntington locomotive shop.
“CSX’s commitment to sustainability in our operations is exemplified by the outstanding efforts of these employees, who, through their craftsmanship, are helping advance our collaboration with CPKC.
“We are proud to work with CPKC to scale this hydrogen technology and help pave the way for meaningful sustainable solutions for the future.”
Converting an existing unit into a next-generation locomotive further extends the useful life of the asset. The conversion team reused several components, including the frame, cab, traction motors, and trucks.
Steaming Forward Efficiently and Sustainably
This ground-breaking locomotive makes its debut less than 12 months after the collaboration between CSX and CPKC was announced in the summer of 2023.
Hydrogen presents a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering greater efficiency and zero emissions. Unlike traditional diesel engines, hydrogen-powered locomotives emit only water vapor, contributing to cleaner air and environment.
As the next step, CSX will deploy the new hydrogen-powered locomotive for field testing and further evaluate its performance and operational feasibility. This initiative marks a significant stride forward in CSX’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability.
To view a video about CSX’s hydrogen powered locomotive, click here. For more information about CSX and its sustainability initiatives, visit csx.com/esg.
