Ferrocarril de Antofagasta a Bolivia (FCAB) has launched its first green hydrogen-powered locomotive. The private rail company, boasting 137 years of heritage, carried out a maiden journey on 20 November between Patio Norte and the Port of Antofagasta. The event was attended by officials and representatives from the mining and rail sectors.
FCAB hails this milestone as a pioneering step in decarbonising rail transport across Chile and Latin America.
The locomotive, manufactured in China by AHTECH CRRC Qishuyan Company, integrates hydrogen fuel cells with batteries. Replacing diesel engines with this zero-emission technology has reduced the locomotive’s weight by 30 tonnes.
With this innovation, FCAB asserts its commitment to the energy transition and its target to cut carbon emissions by 30% by 2030, aligned with the objectives of its parent company, Grupo Antofagasta plc. The green hydrogen refuelling station is located at Patio Norte and meets rigorous safety and efficiency standards.
This development positions FCAB as Latin America’s first freight rail operator to harness hydrogen as a power source, opening a new chapter in industrial sustainability in northern Chile.