Ferrocarril de Antofagasta a Bolivia (FCAB), Antofagasta’s Transport Division, Chile, has marked its 137th anniversary with a major operational milestone, becoming the first freight rail operator in Latin America to launch a hydrogen-powered locomotive. This pilot project represents a tangible shift in the region's logistics and transport sector, moving from diesel reliance toward clean energy solutions.
This achievement marks both a celebration of FCAB’s long-standing heritage and a bold step into the future of clean transport. As the latest milestone in Antofagasta’s journey to implement new technologies, the pilot programme demonstrates real progress towards decarbonising both its mining and transport operations.
A groundbreaking pilot project
The hydrogen locomotive is currently operating as a pilot project, which will allow FCAB to evaluate the technology’s performance and potential for wider adoption. Powered by hydrogen produced from renewable sources, the locomotive features a hybrid system combining fuel cells and batteries. It delivers 1000 kW of power while reducing total weight by around 30 t compared to conventional diesel models. This innovative approach not only reduces emissions but also demonstrates FCAB’s commitment to operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Supporting Antofagasta’s decarbonisation ambitions
The pilot forms part of Antofagasta plc’s broader decarbonisation strategy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions across both its Mining and Transport Divisions, including the Group’s overall ambition to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The hydrogen locomotive is a tangible example of how innovation is being harnessed to meet these ambitious goals, supporting both mining and logistics operations in the region.
The pilot forms part of Antofagasta plc’s broader decarbonisation strategy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions across both its Mining and Transport Divisions, including the Group’s overall ambition to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The hydrogen locomotive is a tangible example of how innovation is being harnessed to meet these ambitious goals, supporting both mining and logistics operations in the region.
Innovation and community Impact
To support the deployment, FCAB has constructed a dedicated hydrogen refuelling station at its Patio Norte railway yard in the city of Antofagasta. Built to the highest safety standards, the facility ensures secure refuelling within the city's operational hub.
The progress of the pilot programme is being closely monitored, with input from a range of stakeholders – including national and regional authorities, industry partners and local communities. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the train’s pilot project generates the required information to inform potential future investments in sustainable transport solutions. By engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, FCAB is ensuring that the lessons learned from this pilot will help shape the future of rail transport in Chile and beyond.
Beyond environmental benefits, FCAB’s sustainability strategy encompasses community engagement, diversity and operational excellence, with continued investments in safety, digitalisation and workforce development, delivering lasting value for both the business and local communities.
As Antofagasta continues to innovate and grow, the Group remains focused on its decarbonisation efforts, driving progress towards a more sustainable future for mining and logistics.