DB Cargo UK has successfully tested the use of 100% renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil to fuel a Class 67 diesel locomotive, and on-track trials are to follow with Class 67 and Class 66 locomotives, as well as testing with a Class 60.
The testing, which Chief Executive Andrea Rossi described as ‘extremely promising’, was undertaken at the operator’s load bank facility at Toton depot. Monitoring showed no adverse impact on the performance of the 3 200 hp locomotive.
HVO is made through the hydro-treatment of vegetable oils or animal fats, and is intended to reduce CO2 and NOx emissions significantly when used in diesel vehicles and machinery.