The first locomotive in Latin America to run on green hydrogen, says the operator
Chile’s Antofagasta Railway Company (FCAB) has completed what it says is the first operational deployment in Latin America of a green hydrogen-powered locomotive.
The inaugural run took place on 20 November, with the locomotive rolling from FCAB’s Patio Norte yard to the Antofagasta International Terminal (ATI), in the presence of representatives from government, industry and the mining sector.
FCAB Director General David Fernandez described the event as a “new era” for the 1,000mm freight railway that operates 700 kilometers of lines in northern Chile. Ivan Arriagada, CEO of the Antofagasta mining company that owns FCAB, stressed that the project directly supports the company’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.
The locomotive, built by Ahtech CRRC Qishuyan, combines hydrogen fuel cells with batteries for energy storage. It has been specifically developed to withstand the harsh operating environment of northern Chile, characterized by intense exposure to UV rays, salt-laden air, steep gradients and desert conditions.
The locomotive has a high capacity battery of 1 MW and is fed with hydrogen at a pressure of 35 MPa. Its lightweight design means it is around 30 tonnes lighter than previous hydrogen locomotives.
The project is supported by a dedicated hydrogen refueling station in Patio Norte. The facility includes integrated high-pressure distribution and electrical charging systems and has been developed to meet stringent operational safety and reliability requirements.
The refueling station enables FCAB to refuel and recharge the locomotive within standard operating cycles and forms the backbone of the company’s plan to gradually expand hydrogen traction across specific corridors.
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