This week officials revealed a nearly $16 million federal grant to boost battery technology development at Alstom’s facility in Steuben County, marking a significant step in advancing hybrid, battery-powered locomotives in New York’s Southern Tier.
The $15,982,500 investment, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, supports a collaboration between the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), Alstom, Norfolk Southern Railway, and Binghamton University’s New Energy New York (NENY) consortium. The initiative will focus on producing and testing state-of-the-art hybrid battery-powered trains, aiming to make the region a leader in energy-efficient rail technology.
“This federal funding puts the Southern Tier on the map for cutting-edge rail development,” said Schumer. “The project will not only improve rail safety but also drive the region’s climate resilience efforts. I’ve worked hard to establish this area as a hub for battery manufacturing and development, and now, the next generation of rail technology will be stamped ‘Made in Upstate NY.’”
Developing the future of clean rail technology
The federal investment will enable the production and testing of two hybrid locomotives at Alstom’s Kanona facility in Bath. The trains will operate primarily on battery power, with diesel engines as backup. This dual-power system aims to enhance rail efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve overall safety. Alstom’s partnership with Binghamton University and other regional entities leverages the area’s expertise in transportation and clean energy technology.
“New York’s Southern Tier is becoming a national center for rail manufacturing excellence,” said Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas. “With the support of Senator Schumer and our partners, we will develop and test advanced battery and rail technologies, furthering our efforts to decarbonize the freight sector.”
The hybrid locomotives will be built using recycled steel frames, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of production. The project will convert two GP 38/40 locomotives into battery-diesel hybrids, designed to maximize engine efficiency and pulling capacity by approximately 50%. The initiative also plans for future technology upgrades to fully eliminate diesel use as zero-emission solutions become available.
Regional partnership aims to lead clean tech innovation
The Steuben County IDA is collaborating closely with Alstom and Norfolk Southern Railway, as well as with researchers from Binghamton University’s NENY consortium. The partnership aims to integrate battery technology advancements to transform rail operations, aligning with the region’s long history in transportation manufacturing and innovation.
“The CRISI award will help position Steuben County as a leader in clean tech manufacturing,” said James C. Johnson, Executive Director of the Steuben County IDA. “Thanks to Senator Schumer’s support, we are advancing new hybrid locomotive technology that builds on our region’s strengths.”
Schumer’s push for investment and innovation
The funding stems from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, which Schumer championed. The law includes $5 billion over five years for the CRISI program, investing in projects nationwide to enhance rail safety, reduce congestion, and support efficient freight and passenger travel. Schumer’s advocacy has been instrumental in securing federal dollars for the Southern Tier, focusing on the development of battery technology through various programs.
Schumer highlighted recent successes in his efforts to position Binghamton University and the Southern Tier as a national hub for battery innovation. Binghamton University recently won the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines competition, securing up to $160 million over the life of the program to advance battery research and manufacturing in the area. The project was one of only ten selected nationwide, underscoring the region’s emerging role in battery tech.
“Our engineers are ready to collaborate with Alstom on this transformative project,” said Atul Kelkar, Dean of Watson College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Binghamton University. “Electrifying transportation is essential for the U.S., and we’re excited to contribute to this important shift.”
Building momentum for battery tech in the Southern Tier
Schumer’s efforts to establish the Southern Tier as a tech hub have included securing various awards and investments, such as a $63.7 million federal grant through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) and additional state funding. These initiatives aim to make the region a leader in battery research and manufacturing, enhancing economic growth and technological innovation.
The senator also emphasized his continued support for projects like Alstom’s battery-powered locomotives, seeing them as key to both local economic development and national transportation advancements.
As Schumer continues to advocate for federal investment and tech growth, the Southern Tier is set to play a pivotal role in the next era of clean, efficient rail technology.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].