CPKC and ATCO EnPower launch hydrogen production and refueling facilities

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and ATCO EnPower, a division of Canadian Utilities Ltd., have completed construction of hydrogen production and refueling facilities in Calgary and Edmonton, and are now fully operational.

As part of its Hydrogen Locomotive Program, CPKC is retrofitting several diesel locomotives with hydrogen fuel cells, allowing them to operate without direct emissions.

“These fueling facilities are an important part of advancing the ongoing testing of our hydrogen locomotives and advancing the development of our industry-leading program working toward a lower carbon transportation future,” said Kyle Mulligan, CPKC assistant vice-president of operations technology.

ATCO EnPower provided engineering, procurement, and construction services for the dedicated on-site hydrogen refueling stations and has signed an agreement to operate them.

“We are proud to announce the completion of the two hydrogen production and refueling stations for CPKC,” said Mark Brown, executive vice-president of projects and operations for ATCO EnPower. “This advancement marks significant progress in utilizing hydrogen as a fuel source for commercial transportation and reflects ATCO EnPower’s commitment to building a sustainable future by providing innovative energy solutions for our customers.”

Each facility includes a one-megawatt (MW) electrolyzer, compression, storage, and dispensing systems for locomotive refueling. In Calgary, the electrolyzer is partially powered by renewable electricity from CPKC’s five-MW solar power facility located at its headquarters.

The two facilities will serve as models for future projects across Canada. By adopting hydrogen technology, CPKC aims to create a cleaner, more efficient freight transportation system, with ATCO EnPower’s support, setting a benchmark for the rail industry.

With operations in Canada and Mexico, ATCO EnPower is driving the energy transition through renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen solutions and energy storage technologies.