Comparative Retrofit Technologies and Hydrogen Storage Strategies for Alberta’s Rail Network:
Toward AI-Enabled Zero-Emission Mobility

 

Kshitij Chincholkar

November 2025

 

The decarbonization of heavy rail transport is a critical step toward achieving climate targets, especially in regions like Alberta with extensive freight operations and no existing electrified rail infrastructure. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of retrofit technologies for converting Alberta’s diesel locomotive fleet to zero-emission propulsion. In particular, we compare battery-electric retrofits, alternative fuels, and hydrogen fuel cell systems, finding that hydrogen fuel cell hybrids emerge as the most promising retrofit technology for heavy-duty freight locomotives. We then examine hydrogen storage strategies including compressed gas, cryogenic liquid, metal hydrides, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers evaluating each for cost-efficiency, safety, and scalability in a rail context.

 

Our analysis draws on recent pilot projects and studies, notably Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) Hydrogen Locomotive Program in Alberta, which demonstrated the viability of hydrogen fuel cell retrofits in real-world service. We present data on energy densities, fueling requirements, and lifecycle costs, supplemented by tables and graphs to illustrate comparative performance. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into hydrogen-powered rail operations is explored as a futuristic approach to optimize efficiency and reliability.

 

AI techniques from energy management and routing optimization to predictive maintenance can significantly enhance the performance and safety of zero-emission trains. Our results indicate that hydrogen fuel cell retrofits, combined with advanced hydrogen storage solutions and AIenabled operational strategies, can achieve a zero-emission rail network in Alberta with performance approaching conventional diesel systems, while addressing the challenges of cost and infrastructure through innovation and scale.

 

Key findings include: (1) Hydrogen fuel cell locomotives offer superior range and refueling times compared to battery-electric options for long-haul service[1]; (2) Compressed hydrogen gas storage is currently the most practical onboard storage method, though liquid hydrogen and novel carriers could play a role as technologies mature[2][3]; (3) AI can be leveraged for smart energy management, infrastructure planning, and maintenance, further improving the economics and feasibility of hydrogen-powered rail. The paper concludes with recommendations for industry and government stakeholders on advancing hydrogen fuel cell retrofits and associated digital technologies to achieve zero-emission mobility in Alberta’s rail sector.