PENINSULA, OHIO -- NOPEC and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) today announced a $200,000 partnership supporting Powering Possibility, an innovative project to convert two existing CVSR diesel-electric locomotives to battery-electric technology.
Through its investment, NOPEC becomes a Founding Partner in the project, joining the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Lincoln Electric in supporting a more sustainable future for rail transportation in Northeast Ohio.
"NOPEC's mission is to serve Ohio communities, residents, and businesses by supporting practical solutions that use energy more efficiently and strengthen our state," said Chuck Keiper, NOPEC Executive Director and CEO. "As a Founding Partner, we're proud to help the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad extend the life of its locomotives and advance cleaner, more efficient rail transportation."
This financial support will be added to the Powering Possibility Capital Campaign. A $3.5 million modernization initiative, supported by $2.1 million in Ohio EPA DERA and Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund grants, will significantly reduce emissions, enhance long-term sustainability, and ensure that the magic of the CVSR journey continues for decades to come. This investment establishes a fundraising goal of $1.4 million to bring the project to full completion.
Repowering the Past. Powering the Future.
Powering Possibility is designed to give existing locomotives new life by replacing traditional diesel technology with battery-electric technology. The project extends the useful life of CVSR's equipment while reducing emissions and reliance on traditional diesel fuel.
"Powering Possibility demonstrates what can happen when innovation, environmental stewardship and historic preservation come together," said Larry Stevenson, CVSR President/CEO. "NOPEC's investment is a significant vote of confidence in this vision and an important step toward creating a more sustainable future for rail transportation."
In recognition of its leadership investment, NOPEC will receive name recognition in perpetuity on two repowered locomotives and will be designated the Exclusive Power Station Sponsor at CVSR's Fitzwater Maintenance Facility.
Together with its Founding Partners, CVSR is working to position Northeast Ohio at the forefront of innovation in sustainable rail transportation, demonstrating that preserving history and embracing the future can move forward on the same track.
About NOPEC: NOPEC is an energy aggregation in Ohio that uses the bulk buying power of over 250 member communities to negotiate exclusive electric and natural gas rates for over one million residential and small business customers. Since 2001, NOPEC has saved its customers hundreds of millions of dollars on their energy costs, provided education opportunities for Ohio students and residents, and helped protect Ohio consumers by challenging utility rate increases and advocating for consumer-friendly energy policies. For more information about NOPEC, visit www.nopec.org.
About Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational, recreational and heritage railroad experiences while serving as an alternative transportation option through Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio & Erie Canalway. Operating along 26 miles of historic railroad, CVSR connects communities throughout Northeast Ohio while preserving and celebrating the region's rich transportation heritage. For more information about Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the Powering Possibilities project, visit www.cvsr.org/powering-possibility
