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There are various substitutes for diesel fuel ranging from biodiesel (e.g. oil esters from rape seed) to "synthetic" fuels. The following evaluation refers to rape oil methyl-ester (RME). Biodiesel can be used on all diesel engines with slight or no modification. Blending with conventional diesel is possible.
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Technology field: Optimisation of traction technologies
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General information
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General criteria
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Environmental criteria
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Economic criteria
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Application outside railway sector
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Overall rating
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Overall potential: not promising |
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Time horizon: (no data) |
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At first sight, rape oil methyl-ester (being a regenerative fuel) promises substantial environmental advantages over diesel fuel from fossile sources. However, a thorough environmental assessment shows that the effects of biodiesel are ambivalent. In view of additional economic problems such as high price and lack of production capacity for generalised use, the potential of biodiesel for railway applications is very doubtful. |
date created: 2002-10-09 |
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© UIC - International Union of Railways 2003 |
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