On Wednesday, Cummins introduced the power generating world to Accelera, a new brand for Cummins’ New Power business unit. Company officials say Accelera will provide a portfolio of zero-emissions solutions for industries transitioning toward zero-emissions equipment. Over the past several years, Cummins has invested more than $1.5 billion in research and technology, capital and acquisitions to build Accelera’s leadership and technological capabilities.

“Achieving our goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 requires leveraging our entire portfolio of businesses,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins president and chief executive officer. “As we have continued to lead in and advance the engine-based solutions that power our customers’ businesses, we have also built the broadest combination of zero-emissions technologies dedicated to the commercial vehicle industry like battery electric and fuel cell electric powertrain solutions and electrolyzers for green hydrogen production. Establishing Accelera reinforces our commitment to leading in zero-emissions solutions and highlights our unmatched ability to leverage our deep understanding of our customers’ needs and applications, technical expertise and extensive service and support network to walk hand in hand with our customers throughout the energy transition.”

It’s unclear what the change means for the Jamestown Engine Plant. But, in January, The Post-Journal reported Srikanth Padmanabhan, the president of Cummins engine division, had told industry trade magazine Freightwaves Cummins’ 15-liter internal combustion engine, powered by hydrogen, propane and gasoline, will go into production in Jamestown in 2024. The Jamestown Engine Plant is the largest private employer in Chautauqua County with roughly 1,400 employees.

Accelera is advancing a range of zero-emissions solutions, including hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, e-axles, traction systems and electrolyzers, to sustainably power a variety of industries from commercial transportation to chemical production. Both a components supplier and integrator, Accelera is decarbonizing applications like buses, trucks, trains, construction equipment, stationary power and carbon intense industrial processes.

A billboard on East Second Street in Jamestown advertises Cummins’ planned announcement date Wednesday.

Amy Davis, who has led the New Power business unit since 2020, will serve as president of Accelera. Davis has served in a number of global and business leadership roles during her more than 25 years with Cummins.

“The purpose of Accelera is simple — to secure a sustainable future for the industries that keep the world running,” Davis said. “Launching this new brand drives additional focus in our business and enables us to stay ahead of the ever-changing zero-emissions landscape. By leveraging Cummins’ deep understanding of our customers’ needs and the demands of their applications, Accelera will deliver leading zero-emissions technologies necessary to accelerate the shift to zero.”

Wednesday’s announcement included several new contracts, including a partnership between Accelera and Blue Bird to power a new fleet of 1,000 electric school buses across the United States over the next 12 to 18 months. Production of the electric school buses will be significantly accelerated, more than doubling the zero-emissions school buses that the pair have put into operation since the start of production.

Varennes Carbon Recycling has selected Accelera to manufacture and supply a 90 megawatt proton exchange membrane electrolyzer system for Varennes Carbon Recycling’s plant in Quebec, Canada. The project, which will be the largest electrolyzer project Cummins has announced to date, will help turn non-recyclable waste into bio fuels and circular chemicals.

Other projects include:

¯ Completing the acquisition of Meritor, Inc., and Siemens Commercial Vehicle business to advance electric powertrain solutions

¯ Increasing global electrolyzer manufacturing capacity with gigawatt-scalable plants in Fridley, Minnesota – its first in the United States – and in Spain (now under construction)

¯ Powering the world’s largest proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer in operation in the world in Becancour, Canada

¯ Powering the world’s first hydrogen refueling station for ships, cars, trucks and industrial customers in Antwerp, Belgium

¯ Powering the world’s first megawatt-scale demonstration plant for storing wind energy in the natural gas grid in Windgas Falkenhagen, Germany

¯ Powering the world’s first fleets of hydrogen fuel cell passenger trains in Germany

¯ Deploying four hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered class 8 heavy-duty trucks with several marquis fleet customers in the United States

¯ Powering 52 fuel cell city buses in Lingang, Shanghai

¯ Powering refuse trucks with FAUN across Europe