Renfe is testing HVO renewable fuel for diesel trains
In Spain, Railway Pro reported that Spanish railway operator Renfe is taking a new step in its decarbonization strategy, having successfully tested the use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) renewable fuel on a tourist train operating on non-electrified lines.
The trial, carried out in collaboration with the energy company Repsol, demonstrates that this fuel can be a viable alternative to conventional diesel, without requiring major modifications to the existing rolling stock, according to the report.
The first application in passenger services took place on the Costa Verde tourist train, where the 100% renewable Nexa fuel supplied by Repsol was used. Prior to the test, Renfe provided its partner with technical information regarding the locomotive and the generator engines, and prepared the vehicle for operation exclusively on HVO.
To this end, the fuel tank of the Class 619 locomotive was completely emptied of conventional diesel, and Repsol delivered 1,000 liters of renewable fuel free of charge to the El Berrón maintenance depot in the Asturias region, the report added.
Category: Fuels
