Antofagasta plc’s transport division, Ferrocarril de Antofagasta a Bolivia (FCAB), has completed the first green hydrogen-powered locomotive trip in Chile and Latin America, signalling a major milestone in sustainable freight transport.

The locomotive, developed by CRRC Qishuyan, runs on renewable hydrogen, combining fuel cells and batteries to deliver 1,000 kW of power while reducing total weight by around 30 tonnes compared with conventional diesel models.

The inaugural journey is part of FCAB’s pilot project to test the technology’s performance, efficiency, and potential for broader adoption. It supports Antofagasta plc’s decarbonisation strategy, which targets a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 and full carbon neutrality by 2050.

To facilitate operations, a dedicated hydrogen refuelling station has been built at the Patio Norte railway yard in Antofagasta, meeting strict safety standards. The station ensures secure refuelling and provides a foundation for scaling hydrogen use across the company’s freight network.

The pilot involves collaboration with national and regional authorities, industry partners, and local communities. Data from the initiative will inform future investments in clean transport solutions, while also supporting operational excellence, workforce development, and digitalisation within FCAB’s logistics and mining operations.

Beyond decarbonisation, FCAB is examining how hydrogen locomotives can optimise freight scheduling and reduce operational costs associated with traditional diesel engines. The company is analysing efficiency gains, maintenance cycles, and potential energy storage integration to maximise the benefits of hydrogen deployment across its routes.

See how Antofagasta Railway is pioneering hydrogen transport and setting a new benchmark for sustainable freight operations in the full story.