Undertaken in West Sacramento, California, last month, the testing was backed by a $4m grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) which funded the design, integration and demonstration.
The ‘switcher’ will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells and batteries for use in rail yards to move freight cars. Sera has stated the demonstration validates the locomotive’s use for short lines – key parts of the freight network used for local deliveries.
By the end of 2027, Sera will build three more hydrogen locomotives using nearly $20m in new funding.
“Sierra’s successful test proves that short lines can retire pre-tier 0 to tier 4 diesel locomotives and replace them with hydrogen-powered zero-emission switcher locomotives using our advanced hydrogen-powered units,” explained Kennan Beard, President of Sera.
Stadler’s leap into the US hydrogen rail market
While the US boasts one of the largest train networks in the world, passenger rail plays a much smaller part than other means of transport.
Holding an extensive freight rail network, which the US relies heavily on for bulk transportation, the passenger rail sector plays second fiddle due to interstate highway systems and aviation transport.
“Cargo is king” in the US, according to European train manufacturer Stadler’s Commercial Project Manager, Kaden Killpack, who is spearheading the development and deployment of the Swiss firm’s hydrogen-powered Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train (FLIRT) H2 passenger train.
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