Clean Fuels Deliver On-Track Benefits
Written by Clean Fuels Alliance America
Historically, the U.S. rail industry has been the most efficient way to move freight over land. Railroads can transport a ton of freight more than 480 miles on a single gallon of fuel. To do so, 3.1 billion gallons of diesel fuel are used yearly, making up 95% of the rail industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing external pressures are now forcing fleets to look at ways to decarbonize and address climate change in a timely manner. Customers are demanding change, and policy often dictates the timeline.
All six Class I railroads have climate commitments to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The only way to help achieve these goals today is by using cleaner, more sustainable fuels including biodiesel and renewable diesel. When considering the 50-year lifespan of a locomotive, these fuels are the lowest cost, drop-in solution to decarbonize the 23,000 diesel-electric locomotives in Class I service across North America. No capital investments are needed in engines or the fueling infrastructure, and companies don’t have to wait for future technologies to come to fruition. Onboarding clean fuels allows them to reduce emissions now.
Biodiesel and renewable diesel are proven, high-performance fuels that can be seamlessly integrated into most modern locomotive diesel engines. Biodiesel’s improved lubricity reduces engine wear and tear, extends engine life, and lowers maintenance costs. Both biodiesel and renewable diesel can lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than 70% on average making them a cleaner, safer fuel alternative.
Rising demand for liquid biofuels in emerging markets like rail is creating more demand for feedstocks and even more opportunities for our nation’s soybean farmers. Leaders in the agricultural community are no strangers to answering the call to decarbonize. In June, soybean oil used for biomass-based diesel (BMBD) reached near-record levels at 1.267 billion pounds. With BMBD now comprising more than 11% of the diesel pool and more renewable diesel plants slated to come online toward the end of the year, increased consumption of domestic feedstocks is expected to continue.
Soybean farmers are helping make net zero a reality for the rail industry, and the benefits keep growing. The past decade has witnessed significant advancements in feedstock diversification and production processes, leading to increased availability, cost competitiveness, and enhanced government incentives. Choosing clean fuels for your locomotive operation promotes a sustainable future and Clean Fuels Alliance America is your resource for making the switch. Our market expertise and resources can help you onboard biodiesel and renewable diesel with confidence.
Podcast: Rail Industry On Track to Lower Emissions | The Better. Cleaner. Now! Podcast
The rail industry is accelerating its path to decarbonization by incorporating higher blends of biodiesel and renewable diesel. Join Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen and Wayne Kennedy, CEO of Kennedy Consulting, as they discuss why rail companies are betting big on biodiesel to power their locomotives and meet aggressive emissions reduction goals.
Video: The Shipping and Transportation Solution to Carbon Reduction is Already Here
