Skip to content

Train Freight Natural Gas¤

Overview¤

Natural Gas Train Freight involves the transportation of goods by trains powered by natural gas, either in the form of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Utilizing natural gas as a fuel source offers a cleaner alternative to diesel, reducing emissions and operational costs while maintaining efficiency.

Historical Context1¤

  • 1980s and 1990s Initiatives: American railroads began exploring LNG as a fuel in the 1980s and 1990s. Burlington Northern worked with Energy Conversion, Inc. from 1988 to 1996, converting EMD SD-40-2 locomotives for LNG use. These locomotives operated in the Powder River Basin coal service from 1991 to 1996.
  • Union Pacific's Efforts: Union Pacific sponsored the development and testing of LNG locomotives by GE and EMD between 1992 and 1998, although these locomotives never entered service.
  • BNSF and CN Demonstrations: BNSF continues to use LNG-powered switch locomotives, and Canadian National (CN) initiated an LNG demonstration program in 2012 using EMD SD40-2 locomotives and a 30,000-gallon LNG tender.

Process Description¤

  • Natural Gas Supply: Natural gas is stored onboard the train in either compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) form.
  • Engine Operation: The train is equipped with natural gas engines or dual-fuel engines that can operate on both natural gas and diesel. These engines convert the chemical energy of natural gas into mechanical energy to drive the train.
  • Refueling: Natural gas refueling stations are used to refill the train’s storage tanks, similar to conventional fuel stations but equipped for CNG or LNG.

Benefits¤

  • Reduced Emissions: Natural gas combustion produces lower levels of CO2, NOx, and particulate matter compared to diesel, resulting in a cleaner alternative.
  • Cost-Effective: Natural gas is generally cheaper than diesel, leading to reduced fuel costs and operational savings.
  • Abundant Supply: Natural gas is widely available and has a well-established distribution network.
  • Energy Density: LNG, in particular, has a high energy density, allowing for longer range capabilities compared to other alternative fuels.

Challenges¤

  • Infrastructure Development: Requires investment in CNG or LNG refueling infrastructure, which can be costly and logistically complex.
  • Engine Adaptation: Existing diesel engines need to be modified or replaced with natural gas-compatible engines, involving significant upfront costs.
  • Fuel Storage: Onboard storage of CNG and LNG requires specialized, insulated tanks to maintain fuel quality and safety.
  • Methane Emissions: Natural gas is primarily methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and any leakage during production, transport, or use can offset some of the environmental benefits.

Capital Intensive Considerations¤

  • High Initial Investment: Locomotives and supporting infrastructure, such as fueling depots and maintenance facilities, require significant capital investment. A locomotive can cost over $2 million, and the infrastructure for LNG fueling must handle large volumes quickly and safely.
  • Fuel Tenders: Special-purpose cars are needed to carry the LNG. These tenders are complex and must meet rigorous safety standards due to the risks associated with LNG.
  • Long-Term Asset Life: Locomotives have an asset life of over 20 years, making them a long-term investment. This necessitates careful consideration of infrastructure changes and their long-term benefits.

Testing and Safety¤

  • Extensive Testing: Just as diesel locomotives underwent extensive testing from the 1930s to the 1950s, LNG systems are currently in a similar phase. Canadian National (CN) and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) are developing standards and conducting field tests.
  • Safety Regulations: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and industry groups are working to ensure that LNG fuel systems meet stringent safety standards, addressing numerous potential failure modes.

Future Outlook¤

The adoption of natural gas train freight is expected to grow as rail operators seek to reduce emissions and fuel costs. Advances in engine technology and the expansion of natural gas refueling infrastructure will facilitate this transition. Additionally, integrating renewable natural gas (RNG) produced from organic waste could further enhance the environmental benefits, making natural gas train freight a key component in the shift towards more sustainable rail transportation.

ES Model Parameters¤

All the parameters concerning the Train Freight Natural Gas are listed in the table below.

entry_key value unit sets source_reference
CO2_E (layer) 0.057 - FRA Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
CO2_E (layer) 0.057 - DEU Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
MOB_FREIGHT_RAIL (layer) 1 - FRA Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
MOB_FREIGHT_RAIL (layer) 1 - DEU Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
NG_HP (layer) -0.251 - FRA Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
NG_HP (layer) -0.251 - DEU Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
c_inv 104.4 MCHF/(Mtkm/h) FRA Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
c_inv 104.4 MCHF/(Mtkm/h) DEU Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
c_maint 2.6 MCHF/(Mtkm/h)/y FRA Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
c_maint 2.6 MCHF/(Mtkm/h)/y DEU Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
c_p 1 - FRA Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
c_p 1 - DEU Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
lifetime 40 y FRA Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
lifetime 40 y DEU Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
ref_size 38500 tkm/h FRA Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
ref_size 38500 tkm/h DEU Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
trl 9 - FRA Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"
trl 9 - DEU Schnidrig, Jonas, (2020): "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"

References¤

Data Sources
Schnidrig, Jonas. (2020). "Assessment of Green Mobility Scenarios on European Energy Systems"

  1. Natural Gas Trains. (2018, December 18). Retrieved from https://www.wearethepractitioners.com/index.php/topics/art-analysis/natural-gas-motor-fuel/natural-gas-trains ⧉ ↩