Veg oil powered trains could be running to Caithness soon
Caithness stations may soon see hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) powered trains arriving as the rail operator researches the possibility.
ScotRail has begun an innovative trial using HVO as an alternative to diesel fuel in one of its Class 156 trains.
The trial, which began on February 19 and will run for 12 weeks at ScotRail’s Corkerhill Depot, is being delivered in partnership with Angel Trains and Crown Oil.
If the trail is successful, HVO could offer a step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions on Scotland’s railway, acting as a transition fuel while carbon-neutral fuels such green hydrogen become more readily available.
HVO is a renewable and biodegradable fuel that complies with fire safety standards. It reduces carbon emissions by up to 16 per cent and improves air quality by almost a third, compared to traditional diesel.
The key benefits of HVO include:
• A renewable fuel source made of waste products from agricultural and food production activities.
• Up to 16 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
• It can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.
• Cleaner air quality with a reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and carbon monoxide emissions (black smoke).
The trial has seen the installation of a dedicated HVO fuel tank at Corkerhill Depot, with weekly fuel deliveries to support the operation of a single Class 156 unit (156 436), which will remain in passenger service throughout the trial.
Poul Wend Hansen, ScotRail head of sustainability, said: "This trial is an exciting step forward in our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of Scotland’s railways.
“HVO has the potential to significantly lower our carbon footprint while allowing us to continue using existing diesel trains more sustainably.
“We’re eager to see the results and assess how this fuel could be part of a greener future for rail travel."
