California-based Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) will use 12 Ballard FCmove®-XD modules to convert three diesel-powered locomotive switchers to hydrogen fuel cell-powered (HFC), zero-emission units under a new supply agreement, Ballard Power Systems reported June 5.
According to the supplier, the modules “are specifically designed for heavy-duty applications, offering high reliability, durability, efficiency and power density, and provide the benefits of zero emissions without the need for costly overhead catenary systems.”
SERA began its initiative to convert diesel switchers to HFC units in 2021. It was awarded nearly $4 million from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to retire an older EPA Tier 0 diesel-powered switcher and replace it with an HFC, zero-emission unit.
In April 2025, the short line railroad reported successfully completing testing of this four-axle, HFC switcher in West Sacramento, Calif. Ballard was a partner on the project; the supplier has also provided modules for Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s hydrogen locomotive program.
In 2023, SERA won a $15.6 million grant from the California State Transportation Authority (CalSTA) to convert three additional diesel switchers to HFC units, which will employ the newly ordered Ballard FCmove®-XD modules. This project, which will cost approximately $19.5 million, is slated for completion in fourth-quarter 2027. It will lead the way for the railroad to eventually convert all its fleet to HFC units, SERA has said.
Both the CEC and the CalSTA projects “involve the integration of an advanced hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen storage, advanced battery, and systems control technologies to provide an alternative to less environmentally friendly diesel-powered locomotives,” according to SERA.
“Integrating Ballard’s fuel cell modules into our switching locomotives aligns with our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship,” said Kennan H. Beard III, President of SERA, which operates approximately 75 miles of track in Northern California and 30 miles in Southern California, interchanging with both BNSF and Union Pacific. “This initiative not only enhances our operational efficiency but also is a pivotal step in California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with SERA on this groundbreaking project,” Ballard President and CEO Randy MacEwen said. “This partnership underscores the versatility of our industry leading fuel cell technology and the critical role fuel cells can play in advancing sustainable rail solutions. We are excited to continue Ballard’s momentum in decarbonizing the North American freight rail sector.”
SERA is owned by Sierra Railroad Company, the principal owner of Sierra Energy Corporation, which has developed a proprietary waste-to-clean hydrogen technology.
SERA’s funding partners for its HFC initiative also include The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality District, SoCalGas and the Low Carbon Resource Initiative. Other partners include GTI Energy, Velocity Strategies, WHA International, Inc., OptiFuel Systems, UC Riverside, and Valley Vision.
Further Reading:
- SERA Acquires RailPower LLC Assets
- OptiFuel, CSU Pueblo, UDel Awarded $26MM in CRISI Grants
- USDOT: $31.4MM for SNR, MRY
- OptiFuel to Begin Testing New Locomotive, Tender Prototypes
- SERA Lands $15.6MM Grant for Zero-Emission Switchers Project
- SERA Unveils Hydrogen Switcher Livery
- SoCalGas Provides $500,000 to help develop SNR’s HFC-powered switcher
- Ballard Power Systems Providing Fuel Cell Modules to SNR
