Monday 14 March 2022

Union Pacific Railroad on track to cut emissions with higher biodiesel blends

Union Pacific Railroad is setting its sights on reducing emissions by using a higher blend of biodiesel in locomotives it acquired from Wabtec.

The new collaboration will support Union Pacific in boosting the percentage of low carbon fuels consumed to 10% of its total diesel consumption by 2025 and 20% by 2030.

The freight-hauling railroad company will start testing B20 and R55 renewable diesel on trains powered by Wabtec FDL engines operating in California later this year, with higher percentages of biofuels expected to be used as testing progresses.

The move supports Union Pacific's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Beth Whited, Union Pacific's Executive Vice President – Sustainability and Strategy said: “Increasing the use of renewable diesels and biofuels currently represents the most promising avenue to help Union Pacific meets its environmental goals.

“We want to drive emissions down as quickly as possible, and we believe this new project with Wabtec will make a difference.”