Tobu Railway tested biofuel for coal-fired steam locomotives in eastern Japan

In Japan, Kyodo News reported that Tobu Railway Co., the operator of coal-fired steam locomotives in the tourist spot of Nikko in eastern Japan is trialing a biofuel as a way to cut its carbon dioxide emissions.

Tobu Railway Co. said it started the trial, set to last around one year, on January 31, partially replacing the coal used by its SL Taiju locomotives with biocoke, made from buckwheat chaff, wood chips, coffee grounds and other materials.

The report noted that biocoke will be substituted for around 40% of the 160 tons of coal burned each year to keep boiler pressure constant on the company’s three Taiju engines.

As part of the trial, the company is also using a biodiesel fuel made from used cooking oil to operate its diesel-powered DL Taiju train on the same route, hoping to reduce about 2.5 tons of annual emissions, it said.

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