The program has seen the successful conversion of a diesel locomotive to a hydrogen-electric drivetrain with zero carbon emissions, with plans for additional locomotive conversions. The goal of CP’s program is to play a leading role in decarbonizing the freight transportation sector.
CP is currently testing the new hydrogen train. In October the firm announced that the train had successfully performed its second mainline test and first revenue move, pulling seven freight cars from a customer facility.
CP contracted with Bilton from the beginning of this groundbreaking project on many challenging design and fabrication components that arise from converting a diesel-powered locomotive to a hydrogen-powered locomotive. All aspects of this project were completed at the manufacturing facilities of Bilton in Innisfail, Alberta.
Ashley Gorr, Bilton VP of organizational effectiveness, said, “Working with CP has allowed us to showcase our drive towards continuous development of sustainability practices and local entrepreneurship within our community.
“Projects this unique in nature allow us to attract quality candidates that can think creatively and have ambition to take part in meaningful projects that help promote sustainability, whether it is in the environment or the economy,” Gorr added.
Bilton looks forward to continuing its collaboration with CP to refine the locomotive conversion process, with plans to take part in several more locomotive projects.