Spain to Test LNG as Rail Engine Fuel

The first European passenger train that will use LNG as a fuel has received its first delivery. Reganosa, owner-operator of the Ferrol LNG import terminal in northwest Spain, said that LNG was supplied by truck from its facility January 4 to Asturias in northern Spain, where the prototype train locomotive will be tested for four months on a 20-km stretch of track.

The trial is part of a package of EU-funded projects to promote the use of cleaner energy in transport. Spain has six LNG import terminals in operation, with access to another in Portugal.

Initial truckloads will be delivered weekly by road from the LNG terminal, said Reganosa, without identifying the LNG supplier. Two months ago Spanish gas supplier Gas Natural and gas grid operator Enagas said they were co-operating with the initiative.  The tests are to be carried out by rail operator Renfe using a narrow-gauge, former diesel locomotive, said Reganosa.

India is understood to be also trialing LNG as a rail locomotive fuel.  Separately the US – principally the state of Alaska – is trialing the transportation of LNG tanks by rail.

Polish grid operator Gaz-System’s board also said December 27 it has allowed its subsidiary Polskie LNG, which operates the Swinoujscie import terminal, to start design work aimed at LNG being transported by rail, either in ISO cryogenic containers or special railroad tank cars; it hopes to attract EU funding for a planned special railway siding at Swinoujscie that would load such tanks.

(Banner photo of the Ferrol LNG terminal is courtesy of Reganosa)