Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and ATCO EnPower have achieved a major milestone in sustainable transportation, announcing the full operational status of their newly constructed hydrogen production and refueling facilities in Calgary and Edmonton. This marks a pivotal moment in CPKC’s ambitious Hydrogen Locomotive Program, a pioneering initiative aimed at transitioning the freight rail industry towards cleaner, emission-free operations.
The completion of these facilities represents a significant investment in green technology and underscores the commitment of both CPKC and ATCO EnPower to environmental responsibility. Each station boasts a 1-megawatt (MW) electrolyzer, responsible for producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources. This process is highly efficient and environmentally friendly, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with freight transportation. The Calgary facility uniquely benefits from being partially powered by renewable electricity generated from CPKC’s existing 5 MW solar power facility, located at its headquarters. This integration of renewable energy sources further enhances the sustainability of the entire operation.
Beyond the production of hydrogen, these stations also encompass compression, storage, and dispensing systems specifically designed for locomotive refueling. ATCO EnPower, a division of Canadian Utilities Limited, played a crucial role, providing comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction services for the stations. They have also entered into an agreement to oversee the ongoing operation of these facilities, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
“These fueling facilities are a crucial step forward in the testing phase of our hydrogen locomotives,” stated Kyle Mulligan, CPKC Assistant Vice President, Operations Technology. “They are instrumental in advancing our industry-leading program and moving us closer to a lower-carbon transportation future.” Echoing this sentiment, Mark Brown, Executive Vice President of Projects and Operations at ATCO EnPower, added, “We are incredibly proud to announce the completion of these stations. This is a massive leap forward in commercial transportation, showcasing the potential of hydrogen fuel and highlighting ATCO EnPower’s dedication to sustainable energy solutions.”
These state-of-the-art facilities are intended to serve as models for future hydrogen refueling stations across Canada, potentially paving the way for widespread adoption of this technology within the rail industry. CPKC’s commitment to utilizing hydrogen fuel is a testament to its forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship, aiming to create a cleaner and more efficient mode of freight transport that sets a new standard for the industry. The partnership between CPKC and ATCO EnPower showcases the power of collaboration in driving innovation and achieving ambitious sustainability goals in the energy sector.
With operations spanning Canada and Mexico, ATCO EnPower remains at the forefront of the energy transition, offering diverse solutions, including renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen technologies. Similarly, CPKC, with its extensive network connecting Canada, the United States, and Mexico, continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to providing reliable and sustainable freight transportation solutions across North America.
