BNSF, Wabtec to Test Higher-Percentage Blends of Biofuels

Starting in second-quarter 2022, the companies will demonstrate the performance of biodiesel (B20) and renewable diesel (R55) in revenue service on Wabtec Tier 3 and Tier 4 Evolution Series locomotives. The units will run in California.

BNSF is partnering with Wabtec on a biofuels pilot “aimed at quantifying the impact of alternative fuels on emissions, durability and performance in Wabtec locomotives,” Wabtec reported on March 9.

Starting in second-quarter 2022, the companies will demonstrate the performance of biodiesel (B20) and renewable diesel (R55) in revenue service on Wabtec Tier 3 and Tier 4 Evolution Series locomotives. BNSF will run the locomotives between Barstow and Los Angeles, Calif.

“BNSF is pleased to partner with Wabtec to test higher percentage blends of biodiesel and renewable diesel,” BNSF Vice President, Environment and Sustainability John Lovenburg said.

Wabtec already has approved a 5% biodiesel (B5) and 30% renewable diesel (R30) blend for its locomotive engines. There are about 11,000 Evolutions Series units in operation today with railroads around the world, according to the manufacturer. 

“Rail is already the most carbon-efficient mode of land freight transport, and the use of these lower carbon fuels is another means for BNSF to reduce its emissions and help meet its carbon reduction goal,” Lovenburg added. “Wabtec continues to be a good innovation partner for us—last year, we piloted the first battery-electric freight locomotive in North America.” That Wabtec unit ran in commercial service between Barstow and Stockton, Calif., and showed an 11% reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared with standard diesel units operated on the same route.

“Biofuels provide a unique near-term opportunity to have a significant impact on reducing carbon intensity,” said Bob Bremmer, Group Vice President for Wabtec’s Fleet Innovation and Transformation division.

In related developments, Union Pacific (UP) on March 8 reported that it will begin using a higher biodiesel blend in locomotives acquired from Wabtec.