This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
9/26/2022
Union Pacific Railroad and Shell have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that calls for the exploration and testing of initiatives designed to help UP achieve its goals to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions (GHGs).
The MOU addresses UP's goals to reduce GHG emissions 26% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. In addition, the initiatives between the two companies will help Shell achieve its target to become a net-zero energy business by 2050, according to UP's Inside Track blog.
The companies have a decades-long history serving as major suppliers for each other.
"While rail is already one of the most environmentally responsible ways to move freight, locomotive technology needs to evolve, and we need partners like Shell who can help the entire industry think about the future in new ways," said Beth Whited, UP executive vice president of sustainability and strategy.
The companies’ initiatives will include:
• increasing biofuel and renewable fuel blend use in locomotives;
• leveraging renewable energy for fleet vehicles and facilities;
• recycling used rail ties into bio feedstocks;
• researching alternate locomotive propulsion systems; and
• piloting Shell’s Remote Sense Oil Performance Monitoring technology to explore engine efficiency.