WABTEC and mining company Vale have announced a partnership to study a dual-fuel locomotive engine capable of running on both diesel and a diesel-ethanol blend. Laboratory studies will initially be conducted to validate the concept and evaluate performance, emissions reduction, and the ethanol/diesel substitution rate, according to Wabtec.
The tests are expected to run for two years to assess future application on the Vale locomotive fleet operating the Vitória - Minas Railway (EFVM) in southeastern Brazil.
Studying the potential use of ethanol as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel forms part of a series of initiatives undertaken by Vale under its rail decarbonisation programme. Vale’s rail network, which also includes the Carajás Railway (EFC) in northeastern Brazil, accounted for 14% of the company’s carbon emissions in 2024.
Earlier this year Vale ordered 50 Evolution Series locomotives from Wabtec, including 36 for EFVM, which will be powered by engines capable of running a biodiesel blend containing up to 25% sustainable fuel. In the coming years, Vale and Wabtec will conduct a series of tests aiming to further increase this percentage.
“Innovative initiatives like these, aimed at adopting alternative fuels in our locomotives, are part of Vale’s commitment to accelerating the decarbonisation of our rail network,” says Carlos Medeiros, vice-president of operations at Vale.
“For the first time, Wabtec will use ethanol as an energy source in a locomotive,” says Danilo Miyasato, president and regional leader of Wabtec for Latin America.
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