The initiative will see Cando retrofit a legacy, non-tier compliant locomotive with a Li-Ion battery propulsion system, providing a scalable solution that is customized for in-yard operations (IYO) or closed loop switching operations.
Li-Ion battery-powered locomotives, which will be zero emission and will be able to perform all manners of work as required by a normal diesel-powered locomotive used in switching operations, will result in fuel savings and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for customers, Cando noted.
The Government of Alberta is committing CA$2m through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Industrial Transformation Challenge to Cando’s Li-Ion 2025 Project. Projects were selected through ERA’s competitive review process.
“Government of Alberta funding through Emissions Reduction Alberta is critical to help Cando Rail & Terminals develop a battery-powered locomotive customized for industrial switching operations. This industry-transforming initiative could drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping rail service providers and industrial companies moving product by rail meet sustainability goals faster,” said Steve Bromley, chief commercial officer at Cando Rail & Terminals.
Once the retrofit is complete, Cando will demonstrate and evaluate the technical performance of the battery-powered locomotive and supporting charging infrastructure in a real-world switching environment in the Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta area.
The project will generate critical industry knowledge that will inform future development of battery-powered locomotives and will help Cando and its customers with their greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability goals.