Antofagasta Railway marked new milestone: First green hydrogen locomotive trip in Chile and Latin America
The route marks a before and after in the history of regional rail transportation, promoting cleaner, more efficient and competitive operating routes.
Ferrocarril de Antofagasta (FCAB) took a decisive step towards the decarbonization of rail transport in Chile. The company -with 137 years of history in the north of the country- made the first trip of its locomotive powered by green hydrogenthe first to operate in Latin America.
The tour, which extended from Patio Norte to the Port of Antofagasta (ATI), brought together national and regional authorities, representatives of the mining and railway world, together with the local community.
David Fernández, general manager of FCAB, said:
This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for rail transportation in Chile and Latin America.
”The commissioning of our first green hydrogen locomotive is the result of years of work, the commitment of our teams and a sustainable vision that guides every decision we make. After 137 years of history, we continue to transform ourselves to contribute to decarbonization, innovation and the energy future of the country”,
A real push towards energy transition
With this innovation, FCAB consolidates its leadership in the energy transition, contributing directly to the Antofagasta plc Group’s goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.
Iván Arriagada, CEO of Antofagasta plc, said:
As a Group, pioneers in this innovation, we consider these projects to be a permanent practice, an enabler and a strategic pillar that helps us to have safer, more efficient transportation and mining operations with less impact on our environment.
”The commissioning of this hydrogen locomotive is one more effort to continue advancing in our decarbonization path, both in mining and in cargo transportation”,
The locomotive operates with green hydrogen supplied from the Hydrogen Refueling Station installed in the North Yard. This station has electric charging and hydrogen refueling systems under the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
A new chapter for the railway industry
This first trip marks a before and after in the history of Ferrocarril de Antofagasta and regional rail transportation. The locomotive was designed specifically for the company’s operational routes, allowing it to move towards a cleaner, more efficient and competitive logistics model.
With this initiative, FCAB becomes the first rail freight company in Latin America to use green hydrogen as an energy source, reinforcing its position as a key player in industrial innovation and sustainable development in northern Chile.
Pioneering technology on the continent
Developed by AHTECH CRRC Qishuyan Company in China, the machine has a power output of 1,000 kW and a hybrid hydrogen and battery system that replaces traditional diesel components.
Its lightweight structure reduces weight by about 30 tons compared to conventional locomotives, and stores 184 kilograms of hydrogen compressed to 35 MPa.
The fuel cell system generates electrical energy from the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which is stored in batteries that can be recharged directly with electricity.
The start-up of this hydrogen locomotive is one more effort to continue advancing on our decarbonization path, both in mining and in freight transportation.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Antofagasta Railway marked new milestone: First green hydrogen locomotive trip in Chile and Latin America, source
