KTKA

It's the train of the future.

The world's first hydrogen fuel cell switch locomotive is primarily for moving cars around a rail yard, but it's seen as a first step toward moving trains off of fossil fuels.

"We've been trying it in cars and automobiles for some period of time, but distribution of hydrogen is difficult. The train, where you've got station to station, is much more likely to work," said Sen. Sam Brownback about the future of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Brownback said he wants to see Kansas become a hub for the next generation of rail technology.

"This has been a long storied railroad town, and here's the next story. I'm excited about this project. I want Kansas to be at the center of a new wave of locomotive development that makes sense, and is good for the environment and the economy," said Brownback.

The project began in January 2008. Since then BNSF, the Army, and Vehicle Projects, a company specializing in fuel cells, have been developing the locomotive. Melanie Johnson says the Army Corps of Engineers has goals of energy security that can be realized with a project like this.

"This locomotive and the technology incorporated in it both help our energy security by providing that mobile power source for emergency/contingency operations and also the use of hydrogen decreases our dependence on fossil fuels," said Johnson.

The locomotive will be tested in Pueblo Colorado for six months before moving into full time service.

Brownback helped to secure the funding for the project, which cost $6.35 million.