“The first-of-its-kind battery diesel hybrid locomotive prototype is being made possible by a significant CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements) grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), as well as support from the Steuben County (NY) Industrial Development Agency and Binghamton University’s New Energy New York (NENY) consortium,” NS reported Nov. 12.
The Class I railroad said it will be the “first to apply Alstom’s hybrid technology, which is used extensively in European rail, to freight locomotives in North America.” Batteries will provide “primary propulsion,” according to NS, and will be charged by a “Tier 4 diesel engine along with regenerative braking,” according to FRA. The “modular design,” the railroad noted, “will allow the propulsion systems to be upgraded or replaced as battery and engine technology advances.”
Alstom will lead the retrofit project at its Kanona facility in Bath, N.Y. Once complete, the hybrid locomotives will deliver “an estimated 90% fewer emissions and 30% better pulling capacity than traditional diesel models,” NS said.
FRA allocated $15,982,500 to the project through sponsor Steuben County Industrial Development Agency. NS will contribute the 25% non-federal match.
“Rail is already the most sustainable mode of land transportation, and these hybrid conversions will deliver quieter, cleaner rail options,” NS Chief Sustainability Officer Josh Raglin said. “Thanks to the FRA’s CRISI grant and strong support from Alstom, Steuben County IDA, and NENY, we’re charting a path to deliver a better product for our customers and better experience for the communities where Norfolk Southern operates.”
“Decarbonizing the rail industry is a huge challenge, and this grant will support critical strategic collaboration and shared expertise needed to innovate new sustainable technologies,” said Eric Rondeau, who leads Alstom’s innovation Center for sustainable mobility solutions in North America. “Alstom is grateful to be a part of this innovative project to lower emissions and expand clean transit options.”
