BRITTANY in northwest France is converting its fleet of DMUs and bi-mode multiple units with diesel engines to consume type B100 biofuel produced from rapeseed oil.
The region has 12 four-car AGC bi-mode class B 82500 multiple units dating from 2008, which will be converted first, as well as 18 X73500 single cars built from 1999.
The first converted AGCs were introduced on June 13 on the summer-only service from Auray to Quiberon.
The project required the modification of fuelling points at Saint Brieuc, Quimper, Carhaix and Rennes. This change is expected to eliminate 3775 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. However, this will increase annual operating costs by €580,000.
The first trains to use biofuel in France were the 15 six-car Régiolis bi-mode units operating the Paris - Granville service in Normandy.
