This week, officials announced a nearly $16 million federal grant to boost battery technology development at Alstom’s facility in Steuben County; this marked a significant step in the development of hybrid, battery-powered locomotives in the Southern District of New York.

The $15,982,500 investment, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, was led by Steuben County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), Alstom, Norfolk Southern Railroad and Binghamton University’s New Energy New York. It supports the cooperation between the (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 District on the map for cutting-edge rail development,” Schumer said. “The project will not only improve railway safety, but also direct the region’s climate change resilience efforts. “I have worked hard to make this region a hub for battery manufacturing and development, and now the next generation of rail technology will be marked ‘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 run primarily on battery power, with diesel engines used as backup. This dual power system aims to increase railway efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and improve overall safety. Alstom’s partnership with Binghamton University and other regional organizations leverages the region’s expertise in transportation and clean energy technology.

“The Southern District of New York is becoming a national center for excellence in rail manufacturing,” 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, advancing our efforts to decarbonize the freight industry.”

The hybrid locomotives will be built using recycled steel frames, significantly reducing 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 startup is also planning future technology upgrades that will eliminate the use of diesel altogether as zero-emission solutions become available.

Regional partnership aims to lead cleantech innovation

The Steuben County IDA is working closely with Alstom and Norfolk Southern Railroad, as well as researchers from Binghamton University’s NENY consortium. The partnership aims to integrate advances in battery technology to transform rail operations and align with the region’s long history in transportation manufacturing and innovation.

“The CRISI award will help position Steuben County as a leader in clean technology manufacturing,” said Steuben County IDA Executive Director James C. Johnson. “Thanks to Senator Schumer’s support, we are developing new hybrid locomotive technology that builds on our district’s strengths.”

Schumer’s investment and innovation push

The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Schumer supports. The law includes $5 billion over five years for the CRISI program, which invests in projects across the country to improve rail safety, reduce congestion and support efficient freight and passenger travel. Schumer’s advocacy was instrumental in securing federal dollars for the Southern District, focusing on the development of battery technology through various programs.

Schumer highlighted recent successes in 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 Engines of Innovation competition, securing up to $160 million over the life of the program to advance battery research and manufacturing in the region. The project was one of ten selected across the country, highlighting the region’s emerging role in battery technology.

“Our engineers are ready to collaborate with Alstom on this transformative project,” said Atul Kelkar, dean of the Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University. “The electrification of transportation is vital to the United States, and we are excited to contribute to this important shift.”

Battery technology is being accelerated in the Southern Tier

Schumer’s efforts to establish the Southern Tier as a tech hub include securing several awards and investments, such as a $63.7 million federal grant and additional state funding through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC). These initiatives aim to make the region a leader in battery research and production, boosting economic growth and technological innovation.

The senator also emphasized his continued support for projects such as Alstom’s battery-powered locomotives, seeing them as key to both local economic development and national transport improvements.

As Schumer continues to champion federal investment and technological growth, the Southern District is poised to play a pivotal role in the next era of clean, efficient rail technology.

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