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Natural gas propulsion for rail vehicles is discussed as a clean alternative to diesel propulsion and several prototypes and test series have been realized.
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Technology field: Innovative traction concepts and energy sources
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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: interesting |
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Time horizon: mid-term |
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A conversion of Diesel fleet to natural gas propulsion does not meet any long-term technological barriers. Gas engines will be available in most power classes for railway applications in the future. Storage solutions and range are expected to improve in mid-term. Investment costs are still high but running costs may be substantially reduced if price advantage over diesel remains stable. Advantages of natural gas propulsion over diesel include reduced toxic emissions and higher resource reservoirs. However, in terms of CO2 emission, natural gas is about equal to diesel. From an energy efficiency point of view, natural gas propulsion is therefore neutral. More generally, the technology lacks a striking advantage to justify the currently high transition costs. However, in some areas natural gas propulsion could offer an interesting mid-term alternative to diesel propulsion. |
date created: 2002-10-09 |
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© UIC - International Union of Railways 2003 |
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