CN, Gaz Metro eye natural gas locomotive power
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefGaz Métro and CN, both based in Montreal, are teaming up with Vancouver, British Columbia based Westport Innovations Inc. to develop a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology for locomotives.
The joint venture will receive C$2.3 million in funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada, a not-for-profit corporation created by Canada’s federal government.
Gaz Métro president and CEO Sophie Brochu announced the venture Tuesday. LNG trucks are in use in California and Australia, but there are no known instances of LNG locomotives, Brochu said.
The new project aims to demonstrate the technical, economic, and environmental viability of LNG engine technology for locomotives. Initial efforts will include design and testing, while a prototype could be in operation by 2013.
