That is the ground-breaking question Canadian National Railway is hoping to answer by retrofitting the diesel engines in two 3,000-horsepower Electro-Motive Diesel SD40-2 locomotives to run on natural gas.

Two natural gas-fired locomotives courtesy of Canadian National Railway Handout

These two locomotives will not be fueled solely by natural gas but by a mix of 90 per cent natural gas and 10 per cent diesel fuel for ignition. The natural gas retrofit seems like a logical step for the railway industry as roughly 25 percent of crude and natural gas from shale deposits is currently carried by train. Not to mention all the drilling materials, construction equipment and machinery that are also moved by the railways.

Canadian National is testing the two locomotives along the 298-mile stretch between Edmonton, a natural gas pipeline hub, and Fort McMurray, an oilsands production site.

“CN launched this locomotive test to explore the use of natural gas as a potential alternative to conventional diesel fuel. This reflects CN’s 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.

Two natural gas-fired locomotives courtesy of Canadian National Railway Handout

Switching to natural gas will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 70 per cent over a locomotive duty cycle.

Canadian National is also working on a longer-term project to develop an all-new natural gas locomotive engine as well as a specialized tank car to carry the fuel.

Sources:
Canadian National, Press Release, CN tests natural gas/diesel fuel powered locomotives between Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alta.

National Post, Canada, Natural gas-powered locomotive drives CN into eco-friendly(er) future

Energy & Capital, Natural Gas Engines for Trains