Progress Rail, BNSF and Chevron sign MOU to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell trains

In Illinois, Progress Rail, BNSF Railway Company, and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. announced a memorandum of understanding to advance the demonstration of a locomotive powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

The goal of the demonstration is to confirm the feasibility and performance of hydrogen fuel for use as a viable alternative to traditional fuels for line-haul rail. Hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role as a lower-carbon alternative to diesel fuel for transportation, with hydrogen fuel cells becoming a means to reduce emissions.

Under the MOU, the parties are working toward reaching definitive agreements on a demonstration with three primary objectives. First, Progress Rail plans to design and build a prototype hydrogen fuel cell locomotive for line-haul and/or other types of rail service.  Second, Chevron expects to develop the fueling concept and infrastructure to support this use of the locomotive.  Lastly, the prototype hydrogen fuel cell locomotive is expected to be demonstrated on BNSF’s lines for a mutually agreed upon period of time.