Ballard announces 1.5 MW fuel cell engine order for Sierra Northern Railway

Rhea-AI Summary

Ballard Power Systems has secured a new supply agreement with Sierra Northern Railway to provide 1.5 MW of fuel cell engines for delivery in 2025. The deal involves 12 FCmove-XD engines that will convert three diesel switching locomotives to zero-emission hydrogen-powered units in California. The FCmove-XD modules are specifically engineered for heavy-duty applications, offering high reliability, durability, efficiency, and power density without requiring costly overhead catenary systems. This partnership represents a significant step in decarbonizing North American freight rail operations, with Ballard's fuel cell technology providing benefits like long range, fast refueling, and operational flexibility across various routes and environmental conditions.

Positive

• Strategic entry into California's rail market with zero-emission technology
• Conversion of three diesel locomotives demonstrates commercial viability
• Technology offers 1:1 diesel replacement without need for costly overhead infrastructure
• Fuel cell solution provides operational benefits including long range and fast refueling

Negative

• None.

Insights

Clean Energy Technology Analyst

Ballard secures meaningful hydrogen fuel cell order for rail decarbonization, strengthening its position in the emerging zero-emission locomotive market.

Ballard Power's 1.5 MW fuel cell engine deal with Sierra Northern Railway represents a significant commercial milestone in the hydrogen-powered rail sector. The order for 12 FCmove-XD engines will convert three diesel switching locomotives to zero-emission hydrogen power, expected for delivery in 2025.

This agreement demonstrates growing commercial traction for Ballard's rail applications, where hydrogen fuel cells offer distinct advantages over battery-electric alternatives, particularly for heavy-duty applications requiring extended range and minimal downtime. The FCmove-XD modules specifically designed for heavy-duty use provide rail operators with zero-emission operations without requiring costly overhead catenary infrastructure—a critical consideration for freight railways seeking to decarbonize.

California's aggressive emissions reduction targets and supportive regulatory environment likely factored into Sierra Northern's decision, as the state continues pushing transport decarbonization. For Ballard, this deal extends their momentum in the North American freight rail sector, complementing their existing partnerships in Europe and Asia.

While this single order won't dramatically change Ballard's financial trajectory immediately, it represents meaningful progress in commercializing hydrogen technology in the notoriously conservative rail industry. Successfully implementing these locomotives could catalyze broader adoption in the switching locomotive segment, where the operational benefits of hydrogen—including quick refueling and flexible deployment—most directly challenge diesel incumbency.

VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) today announced the signing of a new supply agreement with California-based rail operator Sierra Northern Railway (https://www.sierranorthern.com) for the supply of 1.5 MW of fuel cell engines, expected to be delivered in 2025.

As part of Sierra Northern Railway's efforts to decarbonize its operations across California, 12 Ballard FCmove^®-XD engines will be supplied to convert three diesel switching locomotives to hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission locomotives. The FCmove^®-XD 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.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Sierra Northern Railway on this groundbreaking project" said Randy MacEwen, President and CEO of Ballard Power Systems. "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."

Kennan H. Beard III, President of Sierra Northern Railway commented, "Integrating Ballard's fuel cell modules into our switching locomotives aligns with our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. This initiative not only enhances our operational efficiency but is also a pivotal step in California's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector."

Trains powered by Ballard fuel cells offer safe and reliable zero-emission operations, including long range, fast refueling and flexible operation across a wide variety of routes and environmental conditions, acting as a 1:1 replacement of diesel engines on non-electrified rail lines. 

About Ballard Power Systems

Ballard Power Systems' (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) vision is to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. Ballard zero-emission PEM fuel cells are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, and stationary power. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated product deliveries, customer deployments, and customer benefits and market adoption of our products. These forward-looking statements reflect Ballard's current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements are based on Ballard's assumptions relating to its financial forecasts and expectations regarding its product development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market demand.

These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause Ballard's actual results to be materially different, including general economic and regulatory changes, detrimental reliance on third parties, successfully achieving our business plans and achieving and sustaining profitability. For a detailed discussion of these and other risk factors that could affect Ballard's future performance, please refer to Ballard's most recent Annual Information Form. Readers should not place undue reliance on Ballard's forward-looking statements and Ballard assumes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, other than as required under applicable legislation.

About Sierra Northern Railway

Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) is the freight division of privately owned, Sierra Railroad Company. Sierra Railroad Company is also the principal owner of Sierra Energy Corporation, which has developed a proprietary waste- to- clean hydrogen technology: FastOx® gasification. Sierra Northern Railway currently operates approximately 75 miles of track in Northern California and 30 miles in Southern California through the heart of a number of the Golden State's prime industrial areas, serving a wide variety of customers, and interchanging with both BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. http://sierranorthern.com

Further Information

Ballard Power Systems: Sumit Kundu – Manager, Investor Relations & Finance +1.604.453.3517 or investors@ballard.com

Sierra Northern Railway: Michael Faust – President and CEO, Railpower 916-335-5626 or mfaust@railpower.com

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SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.

FAQ

What is the value of Ballard Power Systems' (BLDP) contract with Sierra Northern Railway?

The specific monetary value was not disclosed in the press release, but the agreement covers 1.5 MW of fuel cell engines comprising 12 FCmove-XD units.

How many locomotives will be converted using Ballard's fuel cell technology?

Three diesel switching locomotives will be converted to hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission locomotives using 12 Ballard FCmove-XD engines.

When will Ballard Power Systems (BLDP) deliver the fuel cell engines to Sierra Northern Railway?

The fuel cell engines are expected to be delivered in 2025.

What are the advantages of Ballard's FCmove-XD fuel cell engines for rail applications?

The FCmove-XD engines offer high reliability, durability, efficiency, power density, long range, fast refueling, and flexible operation without requiring costly overhead catenary systems.

How does this order align with California's environmental goals?

The project supports California's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector by converting diesel locomotives to zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell technology.