OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific
Railroad (NYSE: UNP) today announced plans to purchase 20
battery-electric locomotives for testing in yard operations. The
combined purchases and upgrades to yard infrastructure are expected
to exceed $100 million, representing
the largest investment in battery-electric technology by a U.S.
Class I railroad. The locomotives will be acquired from Progress
Rail, a Caterpillar company, and Wabtec Corporation (NYSE:WAB), two
companies at the forefront of locomotive innovation, and will be
the world's largest carrier-owned battery-electric locomotive fleet
in freight service.
"We're committed to actions that reduce Union Pacific's
environmental footprint as we work toward our ultimate goal of
reaching net zero emissions by 2050," said Lance Fritz, Chairman, president and CEO of
Union Pacific. "These investments will contribute to further
developing this important technology and providing industry-wide
benefits."
Union Pacific anticipates the first units will arrive on site in
late 2023 with complete delivery by late 2024. The locomotives will
be used in rail yards in California and Nebraska, where they will be tested for
performance in cold and warm weather, helping identify the
locomotives' capabilities and challenges for broader
deployment.
Battery-electric locomotives do not use fuel and emit zero
emissions. For every 10 battery-electric locomotives used,
approximately 4,000 tons of carbon will be eliminated annually, the
equivalent of removing 800 cars from the highway. By working with
the locomotive manufacturers in this test phase, Union Pacific
hopes to advance battery-electric technology development and
evaluate its potential deployment in long-haul service.
Union Pacific published its first comprehensive Climate Action
Plan in December 2021, outlining its
efforts to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) 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.
As it works toward its goals, Union Pacific is collaborating
with community partners. The Port of Los
Angeles, which recently received a Diesel Emission Reduction
Act (DERA) grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
awarded Union Pacific a subaward that will partially cover the cost
of one battery-electric locomotive.
"Our work with the Port of Los
Angeles will help us cut emissions in the South Coast Air
Basin, which includes four counties in Southern California," said Beth Whited, executive vice president and chief
human resource officer, who oversees Union Pacific's ESG efforts.
"This work also will help our customers realize the benefit of
moving goods by rail, reducing emissions by up to 75 percent."
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
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SOURCE Union Pacific Railroad