One of our trains is running on fuel which is a mixture of diesel, soya beans and rape seed oil in a bid to examine possible alternatives of the future.
The biodiesel mix is being trialled on Class 159 unit 007 which runs on the Exeter - Salisbury - London Waterloo route. It started in April and will run until the end of the year and is looking at the performance of the train – such as whether it affects the speed, engine or emissions – in all seasons.
Neil Ovenden, our Senior Project Engineer, said: “This trial is going well: it has made no difference whatsoever to the performance of this train.
“We are pleased to be taking part in this exercise, as we were in one for low sulphur diesel a couple of years ago, to help the industry look at the pros and cons of various fuel options and to decide which ones should go forward and be implemented.”
The Association of Train Operating Companies led the way on the trial, which is being monitored by the team at Salisbury Traincare Depot.
ATOC’s Director of Engineering Ian Papworth said: “Biodiesel is a relatively new fuel for the railways and one that needs to be carefully examined!
“ATOC is keen to explore and understand the potential of this fuel and discover its advantages and disadvantages on behalf of its members, so that they can make informed decisions on their fuel strategy.
He explained that desk-top studies, static engine and now train trials to date show that railway locomotives and railcars can run successfully on the types of biofuel mix currently on the market.
“Widespread adoption will depend on a number of factors such as pricing, taxation and of course the current debate on the overall sustainability of biofuel use,” he said.
“The trials also help biofuel providers to develop their products, build a case and a potential market and as many of the biodiesel companies operating in the UK, are UK businesses, helping the economy. The trials may also help industry learn and adapt to the increasing use of biodiesel and in the long run may also achieve more fuel independence in the UK.”
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