
Total Rail Solutions, the complete rail service provider, has made a significant announcement that will see the company become the first hirer in the rail sector to stop fuelling its plant and machinery with diesel. Instead from the summer of 2021, it will supply customers working on the rail network, with one of the cleanest fuels on the market, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), supplied by Crown Oil.
So, what is HVO fuel?
HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is an advanced, second generation renewable diesel alternative that eliminates up to 90% of net CO2 emissions and significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.
As a direct drop-in alternative to fossil diesel fuel, HVO meets the EN15940 standard for paraffinic fuels and Fuel Quality Directive 2009/30/EC Annex II as well as meeting the sustainability requirements of the Renewable Energy Directive. With a wide range of OEM approvals, the greener and cleaner product is a proven, simple and cost-effective solution to help Total Rail Solutions commit to reducing its emissions.
Crown Oil’s Technical Manager, Simon Lawford said “We’re thrilled to be supplying HVO to the rail industry and hope that other organisations follow in Total Rail Solutions’ green tracks. There is no better time to make the switch to HVO fuel to effortlessly achieve greenhouse gas reductions without any further investment, modifications or upgrades needed for your engines.”
Total Rail Solutions CEO Paul Bateman said “The announcement that TRS will cease its supply of diesel fuelled machines and instead provide the environmentally friendly alternative, is of great importance to myself, my team and the business. We have all seen the science and the G7 nations negotiations to reduce the use of fossil fuels to deliver on the global climate change objectives, this significant step will benefit many.”
Continuing Mr Bateman said “TRS are delighted to be the first provider in the rail sector to take this action. The operational process to transfer is relatively straightforward as the new HVO fuel can be mixed in the tank with any residual, until the supply becomes pure, so there will be no disruption in supply or down time on site.”
Made from 100% renewable raw materials, HVO is manufactured purely from waste materials and is fully certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) This demonstrates the product’s true sustainability, meaning that during production, the impact on the environment is greatly reduced. No land is used that has been claimed for other and no animals or key aspects of the eco system are displaced. The fuel is also fully biodegradable and non-toxic.
Concluding Mr Bateman said “At TRS our average annual fossil fuel consumption in plant is 500,000 litres, in launching this initiative we anticipate a reduction of up to 90%, giving a net reduction in our average annual emissions of up to 90%. In addition, HVO is sulphur free, so not only is it cleaner for the environment, but it is also kinder and less corrosive in our engines. So as a derived benefit, customers will see further value with year-round performance, as HVO fuel works well in lower temperatures.”
“Today we continue our innovation program and plan, this announcement further aligns TRS with the 2020-50 Network Rail Environmental Sustainability Strategy and the Williams-Shapps plan to reform Britain’s railway, we look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to deliver a greener, cleaner and more sustainable network.”