Sustainability at CP

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Sustainability at CP
Highlight Stories

CP’s hydrogen-powered locomotive pilot project

CP’s Hydrogen Locomotive Program aims to develop North America's first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive. The program involves retrofitting a line-haul locomotive with hydrogen fuel cells and battery technology to drive the locomotive's electric traction motors. The Hydrogen Locomotive Program has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from locomotive operations, supporting CP’s Climate Change Commitments and the transition to a low-carbon future in the freight rail sector.

H2 0EL

In the fall of 2021, the first hydrogen locomotive, "H2 0EL", which stands for Hydrogen - Zero Emissions Locomotive, will be prepped for its official painting and launch. Each design element of the locomotive articulates the impact of this innovative, sustainably driven project. The blue and green paint colours represent sustainability, water and technology. The H2 0EL wordmark features angled typography to symbolize movement and progress in action.  

Once launched, CP will demonstrate and evaluate the technical performance of hydrogen-powered locomotives and supporting fueling infrastructure in real-world operations.  

"This is a globally significant project that positions CP at the leading edge of decarbonizing the freight transportation sector," said Keith Creel, CP's President and Chief Executive Officer. "CP will continue to focus on finding innovative solutions to transform our operations and implement our Climate Strategy, positioning CP and our industry as leaders for a sustainable future." 

The work builds on CP’s prior experience with testing low-emitting locomotive technologies, including biofuels, compressed natural gas and battery-powered solutions. Nearly the entire freight locomotive fleet of all railway operators in North America consists of diesel-powered units, representing the industry’s most significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The ability to retrofit diesel locomotives with a zero-emission technology provides a practical pathway to decarbonizing the freight-rail industry.

CP has long focused on energy-saving initiatives as a core component of its sustainability practices. Since 1990, CP has improved its locomotive fuel efficiency by more than 40 percent through a variety of programs and technology deployments designed to improve fuel economy and reduce air emissions. The application of leading practices, emerging technologies and relationship building across the value chain and industrial sector will remain critical as CP works to implement our Climate Strategy and achieve our science-based emissions reduction targets.

Meet Our Team

Click on the photos to learn more about each member of our Hydrogen Locomotive Program team.

Kyle Mulligan
Chief Engineer, Railway Technology
Gary Wong
Project Engineer
Veronika Kowalczyk
Engineer in Training, Railway Technology
Milan Dubinsky
Senior Power and Control Engineer
Matthew Findlay
Director, Locomotive Regulatory and Finance
Cody Fischer
Systems Engineer, Railway Technology
Kyle Mulligan
Chief Engineer, Railway Technology

As Chief Engineer, Railway Technology, Kyle Mulligan leads a talented team of railroaders to deliver CP’s groundbreaking Hydrogen Locomotive Project.

Kyle has a doctorate (Ph.D.) in mechanical engineering from the University of Sherbrooke, in addition to two degrees in computer systems and electrical and biomedical engineering.

What does sustainability mean to you?

“Sustainability to me means doing the right thing, not the easy thing. The Industrial Revolution enabled a comfortable way of life, but that does not mean we can take it for granted. There are more efficient, cleaner and environmentally-friendly ways of achieving the same standards and goals in life. Everyone plays a part, from composting and recycling to turning off the lights. The technology CP is working on is clear proof that a sustainable future is achievable.”

How does it feel to be at the forefront of developing North America’s first hydrogen-powered line-haul freight locomotive?

“Every day is a gift. We are truly blessed to be a part of a project that is helping to change the world and to have the confidence from our leadership that we can do so. I am personally humbled and proud to be a part of this project.”

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Gary Wong
Project Engineer

As Project Engineer, Gary Wong is involved in all aspects of CP’s Hydrogen Locomotive Project — from concept to implementation to testing and verification.

With extensive experience gained in various oil and gas technical roles and international experience, Gary is passionate about applying his expertise and knowledge and leading the hydrogen locomotive team to success.

What do you find most exciting about the project?

“I enjoy the technical and commercial aspects of the job, as well as being able to provide guidance and leadership to the team on problem-solving, building the locomotive, working with new suppliers and shaping the future vision for the project.”

How does it feel to be at the forefront of developing North America’s first hydrogen-powered line-haul freight locomotive?

“CP is a historical company, and similar to the transition from steam to diesel nearly a century ago, as an engineer, I am proud and excited to be at the forefront of new technology and play a direct role in this history-making project.”

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Veronika Kowalczyk
Engineer in Training, Railway Technology

A recent graduate from the University of British Columbia with a degree in mechanical engineering, Veronika Kowalczyk is a valued member of the team responsible for the development of North America’s first hydrogen-powered freight locomotive.

She is passionate about all things sustainability and eager to take part in the development of alternative energy innovations.

What does sustainability mean to you?

“It means investing in the future and conserving our scarce resources so future generations can use them and experience some of the great things we get to enjoy today.”

How does it feel to be at the forefront of developing North America’s first hydrogen-powered line-haul freight locomotive?

“It feels unbelievable. I cannot help but smile when I think about where I am and where CP is heading with this program. I cannot begin to describe the excitement I feel when I think about this project and the milestones we have yet to achieve. I feel very lucky to be developing this prototype with such a talented team of people and to be able to learn so much from them as an engineer who is just starting her career.”

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Milan Dubinsky
Senior Power and Control Engineer

As Senior Power and Control Engineer, Milan Dubinsky is responsible for developing and building the power and control system for the groundbreaking hydrogen-powered locomotive.

Milan holds a Master’s in engineering and a Ph.D. from the University of Kosice in Slovakia and brings 12 years of international experience from Europe to the team.

What do you find most exciting about the project?

“I feel like we are taking part in creating a better future. We are already seeing a shift in the transportation industry away from using fossil fuel sources, towards zero emissions sources such as electrical cars or hydrogen cars. For me, it is exciting to be able to play a part in this transformation.”

How does it feel to be at the forefront of developing North America’s first hydrogen-powered line-haul freight locomotive?

“I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to work with such a talented team of railroaders and be a member of the CP family. I look forward to the day I will be able to tell my children and grandchildren about this opportunity – how a team of six railroaders took a leap of faith in building and developing North America's first hydrogen-powered freight locomotive and the role I played in this technological leap forward.”

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Matthew Findlay
Director, Locomotive Regulatory and Finance

As Director, Locomotive Regulatory and Finance, Matthew Findlay is responsible for supporting regulation development, mechanical systems and maintenance practices of CP’s Hydrogen Locomotive Project.

As a valued member of the team, Matthew is excited about integrating multiple technologies to achieve a safe and reliable zero-emissions line-haul freight locomotive — the first of its kind in North America.

What does sustainability mean to you?

“I have four children, so I’m very conscious about what the future environment is going to look like. In my mind, sustainability is about establishing clean technologies and processes and having a mindset that it’s not right to borrow from the future to fund growth and prosperity today.”

How does it feel to be at the forefront of developing North America’s first hydrogen-powered line-haul freight locomotive?

“It’s exciting to be part of a company that has the vision to invest in a technological leap forward in how we provide service to our customers in the most sustainable way possible.”

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Cody Fischer
Systems Engineer, Railway Technology

As Systems Engineer, Railway Technology, Cody Fischer is responsible for the systems engineering, design, architecture and analytics for much of CP’s railway technology. In addition, Cody is currently supporting the electrical engineering and control system design of the hydrogen-powered locomotive.

Cody has a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Calgary and is thrilled to be part of a team of railroaders that is pioneering groundbreaking technology in an industry that is ready for a paradigm change.

What does sustainability mean to you?

“The energy industry is changing. It is difficult to predict the future, but we know it must involve a sustainable energy source. The Hydrogen Locomotive Project is an opportunity to influence not only CP’s impact on the environment but also lead the industry down a path of new, innovative technology.”

How does it feel to be at the forefront of developing North America’s first hydrogen-powered line-haul freight locomotive?

“It’s very surreal, especially considering the amount of ground we covered in the development of the hydrogen-powered locomotive in such a short period of time.”

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On April 14, 2023 Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) combined to create Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), the first single-line railway connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. You are currently viewing CP’s Sustainability Driven website. To view our sustainability reporting for CPKC, please visit us at CPKCR.com

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