Powering Rail’s comeback.
NexGen Cryo is developing an integrated LNG-powered locomotive platform to help railroads improve operating economics, modernize existing assets and compete for the future of American freight.
- ~40% lower fuel cost than diesel
- Swap-in prime mover for existing locomotives
- Same frame, trucks and traction motors
- Tier 4 NOx with no urea or exhaust filters
Rail built America. It can carry America forward again.
- The backbone of the economy should be moved by Rail: bulk, intermodal, energy and manufactured goods.
- It is still the most fuel-efficient way to move heavy freight over land.
- But its locomotives run on diesel technology designed decades ago.
We do not need to reinvent the railroad. We need to reinvent what powers it.
Rail already has the cost advantage. NexGen makes it bigger.
- A train moves a ton of freight about four times farther on a gallon of fuel than a truck.
- Fuel is still one of a railroad’s biggest costs, roughly one dollar in five of operating cost.
- Cut that fuel bill by about 40% and Rail’s lead over trucking grows on every train.
- Rail carries 19% of U.S. freight ton-miles; trucks carry 44%. A wider cost gap is how Rail wins that freight back.
- After 55 years, it’s time to reignite our interest in Gas Turbine Technology.
- Savings grow with how much fuel each locomotive burns.
- Class I mainline units work hardest, so they pay back fastest.
- Short-line units run fewer miles, so payback takes longer.
One turbine–generator. Rail and Power.
The turbine and permanent-magnet generator that repower a locomotive also drive a containerized module for sites that can’t wait for the grid.
From LNG to the Rail in five steps.
The battery takes the load swings, so the turbine runs steady at its sweet spot. Here’s what goes on the locomotive and how the Power flows.
- StoreLNG rides in cryogenic tanks under the frame.
- GenerateA gas turbine spins a permanent-magnet generator. No gearbox.
- ConvertPower is rectified onto an 800 V DC bus.
- BufferBatteries absorb every notch change, so the turbine runs steady.
- MoveThe existing traction motors drive the train. Braking energy goes back into the batteries.
12 projects under development.
Dennis W. Chalmers
25+ years in cryogenic turbomachinery at JC Carter and ACD. His patented CryoDrive submerged LNG pump technology was acquired by Flowserve (NYSE: FLS) in July 2024.
Reach the executive team directly for the Platform Overview, a fleet conversation, a Power application or a partnership.