Canadian National Railway trials two natural gas/diesel locomotives

The locomotives are testing on the 300-mile run north of Edmonton to Fort McMurray, rail gateway to the oil sands region of northern Alberta. Fueling, provided by Encana, and maintenance take place in Edmonton. “This launching reflects our continuing drive to look for ways to improve operating efficiency and advance the company’s sustainability agenda,” said Keith Creel, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Canadian National Railways (CN).

CN is also working with EMD, Westport Innovations Inc. and Gaz Métro Transport Solutions on a longer term project to explore a state-of-the-art natural gas railway engine and a standardized railway tender. The CN-led group expects to conduct engine laboratory tests in 2013 and to roll out the prototype main-line locomotives for road tests in 2014.

CN will provide two 4,300-horsepower SD70M-2 EMD locomotives for the test program. EMD, in addition to the engine conversion, will supply technical expertise to integrate the natural gas engine, related components and controls into the locomotive, including Westport™ high-pressure direct injection (HPDI) technology. Gaz Métro will develop natural gas liquefaction requirements and distribution systems. As part of the project, Westport secured a funding commitment of C$2.3 million from the Canadian government.

Source: Canadian National Railway Company