The rail industry could have…

The rail industry could have a profound impact on the development of the hydrogen sector within Ontario if low-carbon hydrogen becomes a viable rail fuel source. Over 3,100 locomotives consumed over 500 million litres of diesel fuel in Ontario in 2018, resulting in the emission of 6.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gases among other pollutants. Nationwide, 2.16 billion litres of diesel fuel were consumed by rail in 2018. With the cost of diesel increasing and emissions targets becoming more stringent, alternatives to diesel are needed and are being actively explored by the rail industry. Ontario has the ability to provide low-carbon hydrogen as an alternative fuel source for the rail industry, and to further establish its leadership position in the global hydrogen technology landscape. The attached letter outlines how hydrogen-powered trains could propel Ontario's hydrogen economy, help Ontario achieve emissions goals and create jobs in the coming years.