Spanish rail transport company, Renfe, with Spain's energy companies, Gas Natural Fenosa and Enagas will test Europe’s first locomotive to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) to determine its feasibility and potential advantages, Enagas said on Monday.
The pilot test will also mark the world’s first passenger rail transport to be powered by LNG instead of diesel.
The environmental and economic aspects of the project for the Spanish and European rail network will be assessed following the pilot test.
For the testing phase, the diesel engine on one of the locomotive units will be replaced with one powered by natural gas, and tanks for storing LNG will be fitted, alongside other necessary auxiliary equipment, the company said.
The possible benefits of using LNG in trains include their contribution to reducing environmental pollution and providing alternatives to oil-based fuels.
Additionally, switching to LNG could contribute to reducing operating costs with a better overall price setting compared to oil-based fuels, reduce dependence on dirty fuels and offer an alternative to investment in the electrification of non-electrified sections of the rail network, the company said.
(Anadolu Agency)
