Colas Rail UK teams with G-Volution to trial locomotives with bio-LPG solid oxide fuel cells

In the UK, Colas Rail UK’s Freight Business has collaborated with G-Volution Ltd to decarbonize locomotive operations by using solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) running on near net-zero carbon emission Bio Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Bio-LPG) to generate power for auxiliary load.

With the majority of locomotives heavily reliant on diesel and a major source of our carbon emissions, Colas Rail UK were approached by G-Volution to partner with them on a project to install a SOFC into a Class 37 locomotive to power the auxiliary systems.

This proof of concept was successfully showcased at the Rugby Depot on September 21 where over 40 delegates witnessed a demonstration of the innovation of the SOFC providing power for the exterior and interior lighting of our 37254 locomotive.

Route simulations by the University of Birmingham using a 35kW SOFC show that for a typical Class 37 operation using two locomotives will save on average 50 tonnes (12%) of CO2e per annum and combined with an average 8% reduction in fuel costs.

Other benefits brought by this approach are improved air quality (zero particulate matter and nitrogen oxides are produced by the SOFC) and significant reduction in noise and engine idling.