19/08/2008

South West Trains, Britain’s biggest commuter rail franchise, is testing the use of biodiesel in a bid to examine possible alternative fuels of the future.

The biodiesel mix – which includes diesel, soya beans and rape seed oil - is being trialled on its Class 159 unit 007, which runs on the Exeter - Salisbury - London Waterloo route.

The trial, which started in April and runs until the end of the year, will assess the performance of the train in different seasons and determine the impact of the biodiesel mix on speed, engine efficiency and emissions.

Neil Ovenden, Senior Project Engineer at South West Trains, said: “This trial is going well: it has made no difference whatsoever to the performance of this train.

“We are pleased to be taking part in this exercise, as we were with our trial of low sulphur diesel a couple of years ago. It will help the industry look at the pros and cons of various fuel options and decide which ones should go forward and be implemented.”

The Association of Train Operating Companies led the way on the trial, which is being monitored by the team at Salisbury Traincare Depot.

ATOC’s Director of Engineering, Ian Papworth, said: “Biodiesel is a relatively new fuel for the railways and one that needs to be carefully examined.

“ATOC is keen to explore and understand the potential of this fuel and discover its advantages and disadvantages on behalf of its members, so that they can make informed decisions on their fuel strategy.”

He explained that desk-top studies, static engine and now train trials to date show that railway locomotives and railcars can run successfully on the types of biofuel mix currently on the market.

“Widespread adoption will depend on a number of factors, such as pricing, taxation and, of course, the current debate on the overall sustainability of biofuel use,” he said.

“The trials also help biofuel providers to develop their products, build a case and a potential market. As many of the biodiesel companies operating in this country are UK businesses, it is also helping the economy. The trials may also help industry learn and adapt to the increasing use of biodiesel and in the long run may also achieve more fuel independence for the UK.”

South West Trains is part of Stagecoach Group, which is currently testing the UK’s first Bio-buses as part of a ground-breaking environmental initiative that allows customers to exchange used cooking oil for discounted bus travel.

Eight buses in Kilmarnock in Scotland are running on 100% biodiesel, which is manufactured from used cooking oil and other food industry by-products, which are from sustainable sources that do not involve the destruction of natural habitats or compete with the human food chain.

Since the initiative was launched in October 2007, it has cut CO2 emissions from the buses by 80%, saving 550 tonnes of carbon, and more than 21 tonnes of used cooking oil has been recycled.

Stagecoach is progressing a number of initiatives as part of its environmental strategy, including investment in renewable fuels and cleaner engines, introduction of energy management systems, water and waste recycling projects and offering businesses green travel incentives for their employees.

ENDS

For more information about the train trial, please contact:
South West Trains’ press office
Tel: 020 7620 5229

ATOC’s press office
Tel: 020 7841 8020

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Stagecoach Group is a leading international public transport company with bus and rail operations in the UK and North America. The Group employs around 30,000 people and runs around 12,000 buses and trains.