Friday, April 5, 2013

BNSF to test LNG fuel in trains

BNSF Railways announced last month that it will test liquefied natural gas as fuel for some of its locomotives, in a move to reduce the level of greenhouse gases and particulate emissions created by diesel-powered trains.

"The use of liquefied natural gas as an alternative fuel is a potential transformational change for our railroad and for our industry," BSNF chairman and CEO Matthew Rose said in a company statement. "While there are daunting technical and regulatory challenges still to be faced, this pilot project is an important first step that will allow BNSF to evaluate the technical and economic viability of the use of liquefied natural gas in through-freight service, potentially reducing fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby providing environmental and energy security benefits to our nation."

Before BNSF can start testing LNG, federal regulators must approve fuel tank safety, new systems must be constructed to transfer LNG to locomotives, and workers would need training on how to use and handle the fuel. The BNSF statement said the company is working with GE and EMD to develop the technology needed.

If successful, BNSF would lower greenhouse emissions and significantly reduce its costs using LNG, which is 88 percent cheaper than diesel fuel.

For more of the Mother Nature Network story: mnn.com

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