Railroads Evaluating LNG Locomotives

The energy cost difference between diesel and natural gas is now so great that BNSF and General Electric are going to test liquified natural gas (LNG) for locomotives. CSX is going to test retrofit kits supplied by GE. Mixtures of diesel and natural gas are being used.

Canadian National Railway is also doing LNG locomotive evaluations. Do not expect a rapid shift to LNG. The railroads make locomotive changes only very slowly.

The use of natural gas as a transportation fuel is expected to increase by 50% from 2007 baseline to 2016.

Railroads have energy cost advantages over trucks due to higher efficiency. LNG as a fuel could widen rail's cost advantage. Can long haul trucks migrate to LNG as a fuel source?

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Railroads Evaluating LNG Locomotives

The energy cost difference between diesel and natural gas is now so great that BNSF and General Electric are going to test liquified natural gas (LNG) for locomotives. CSX is going to test retrofit kits supplied by GE. Mixtures of diesel and natural gas are being used.

Canadian National Railway is also doing LNG locomotive evaluations. Do not expect a rapid shift to LNG. The railroads make locomotive changes only very slowly.

The use of natural gas as a transportation fuel is expected to increase by 50% from 2007 baseline to 2016.

Railroads have energy cost advantages over trucks due to higher efficiency. LNG as a fuel could widen rail's cost advantage. Can long haul trucks migrate to LNG as a fuel source?

Kenworth and Peterbuild already offer LNG 18 wheelers. Once little turbines become affordable it will really be a big deal. Wallmart is starting to use 18 wheelers with Capstone turbines (CPST).