OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific
Railroad (NYSE: UNP) today announced the purchase of 10 FLXdrive
battery-electric locomotives from Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB).
The order, which marks the largest investment in battery technology
by a North American railroad, will upgrade Union Pacific's rail
yard infrastructure and support its commitment to significantly
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"As an industry leader, Union Pacific is pioneering a major
application of battery power in its rail yards," said Rafael Santana, President and CEO for
Wabtec. "Battery power is an ideal solution to reduce the
environmental impact and costs of yard operations. Using the
FLXdrive in the rail yard can significantly improve local air
quality, as well as reduce noise by up to 70% for neighboring
communities."
The approximately 2.5-MWh locomotives are each powered solely by
7,000 battery cells, providing Union Pacific a zero-emission
solution for its yard operations. The 10 FLXdrives will enable the
railroad to eliminate 4,000 tons of carbon annually from its rail
yards, the equivalent of removing 800 cars from the highway. The
new locomotives will be manufactured in the United States with the first units being
delivered to Union Pacific in late 2023.
"Railroads are already the leader in low emissions ground
transportation, and we believe battery-electric locomotives are the
next step in our journey to eventually reach net zero," said
Lance Fritz, Chairman, President and
CEO of Union Pacific. "This first phase of testing will further
enhance the technology, and, ultimately, benefit the entire
industry."
Union Pacific published its first comprehensive Climate Action
Plan in December 2021, outlining its
efforts to significantly reduce emissions within its operations. As
part of that commitment, Union Pacific will reduce absolute Scope 1
and 2 GHG emissions 26% by 2030 and achieve net zero greenhouse gas
emissions by 2050.
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers
the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable
and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company
connects its customers and communities to the global economy.
Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move
freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More
information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.
www.up.com
www.facebook.com/unionpacific
www.twitter.com/unionpacific
ABOUT WABTEC
Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) is focused
on creating transportation solutions that move and improve the
world. The company is a leading global provider of equipment,
systems, digital solutions and value-added services for the freight
and transit rail industries, as well as the mining, marine and
industrial markets. Wabtec has been a leader in the rail industry
for over 150 years and has a vision to achieve a zero-emission rail
system in the U.S. and worldwide. The company has approximately
27,000 employees located at facilities in 50 countries throughout
the world. Visit Wabtec's website at: www.wabteccorp.com.
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SOURCE Union Pacific Railroad