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3/9/2022
Union Pacific Railroad yesterday announced it will begin using a higher biodiesel blend in locomotives it acquired from Wabtec as part of UP's plan to reduce its carbon footprint.
The new collaboration helps the Class I as it works to increase the percentage of low-carbon fuels consumed to 10% of its total diesel consumption by 2025 and 20% by 2030, UP officials said in a press release.
"Increasing the use of renewable diesels and biofuels currently represents the most promising avenue to help Union Pacific meets its environmental goals," said Beth Whited, UP's executive vice president of sustainability and strategy. "We want to drive emissions down as quickly as possible, and we believe this new project with Wabtec will make a difference."
UP will begin testing B20 biodiesel and R55 renewable diesel on trains powered by Wabtec FDL engines operating in California in second-quarter 2022. As testing progresses, it is anticipated that higher percentages of biofuels will be used.
The project will help UP meet its science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26% by 2030 and reach its ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Wabtec locomotives were previously approved for B5 R30 (5% biodiesel and 30% renewable diesel) for locomotive engines. Biofuel is a domestically produced, clean-burning, renewable substitute for petroleum diesel.
"Biodiesel and renewable diesel are important sustainable solutions for the rail industry both in the near-term and in the future," said Bob Bremmer, group VP for Wabtec's Fleet Innovation and Transformation division.