OptiFuel Systems unveils achieves zero emissions for the class 1 locomotive fleet using a diesel-RNG dual fuel solution

October 15, 2024. OptiFuel Systems announced a new line of Total-ZeroTM Diesel Hybrid and Total-ZeroTM Diesel-RNG Dual Fuel Hybrid Series Locomotives. Production and delivery expected in 2026 and either model can be retrofitted to any existing switcher or line haul platform.

Engineered to deliver best-in-class continuous and peak power, fuel efficiency, and operating uptime, these locomotives empower railroads to comply with emissions standards while also achieving significant gains in reliability, safety, and profitability. This breakthrough enables railroads to continue utilizing diesel as the primary fuel, significantly reducing barriers and transition risks associated with adopting zero emission technologies by minimizing high infrastructure costs and eliminating key operational constraints, such as the need for a tender car.

Total-Zero™ Diesel-RNG Dual Fuel Hybrid Series

The dual fuel series integrates the capability for the power system to run on up to 33% renewable natural gas (RNG), providing greenhouse gas (GHG) elimination in addition to elimination of NOx and PM. Railroads can adjust GHG emissions down to zero in real-time by simply modifying the blend of RNG and diesel. This flexibility supports Class 1 railroads in meeting science-based target initiative (SBTi) milestones for GHG reductions.

“The new Diesel-RNG dual fuel system is groundbreaking because it eliminates the need for a fuel tender in zero emission line haul operations. The use of any type of tender for line haul operations is higher risk, incurs significant cost to build and test, and will be expensive to refuel and operate. Moreover, they will reduce overall safety to the public. We have closely monitored emerging technologies, in particular advanced engine technologies, and this solution enables railroads to continue operating predominantly on diesel while achieving zero emissions,” said Scott Myers, CEO OptiFuel Systems.

“The efficiency of dual fuel extends beyond eliminating the tender car,” explains Myers. “Each RNG dispenser can refuel 2,500 diesel gallon equivalents (DGE) of RNG into line haul locomotives every 30 minutes, enabling the refueling of 48 locomotives per site each day. At a cost of about $20 million per station, we can establish the necessary refueling infrastructure with off-the-shelf equipment for approximately $1.2 billion, which is a fraction of the expense associated with transitioning to hydrogen, battery-electric, or catenary systems,” he added.