Iarnród Éireann launches HVO fuel pilot on Cork commuter fleet

Iarnród Éireann has launched a new renewable fuel pilot on its commuter fleet, as part of its ongoing programme to reduce carbon emissions across the national rail network.

The trial will use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to power two formerly diesel-fuelled trains on the Cork commuter network.

The trial, which and will run until June, is expected to use approximately 100,000 litres of ethically sourced HVO. Each of the trains currently consumes between 3,000 and 4,000 litres of diesel per week; at a similar burn rate on HVO, the pilot period is projected to cover 12 to 16 weeks of operation.

Performance and reliability during the trial will be closely monitored to assess the potential for wider deployment of HVO across the fleet.

The pilot will see two 2600 Class diesel multiple units (DMUs) operate exclusively on HVO over the coming months, replacing conventional diesel on selected services.

Iarnród Éireann’s Climate Action Plan commits to introducing HVO across its diesel fleet, where appropriate, on a phased basis to 2030, to meet short-term emission reduction targets. 100% HVO use is already in operation on all track maintenance vehicles.

HVO for the trial is being supplied by Corrib Oil and Iarnród Éireann has received and verified the relevant International Sustainability and Carbon Certification documentation for the fuel.

Mary Considine, Iarnród Éireann chief executive, said: “This pilot is another important step in our efforts to decarbonise Ireland’s rail network. In trialling HVO on our commuter fleet, we are testing a lower-carbon alternative that can be deployed quickly while we continue to invest in electrification and other long-term more sustainable solutions.”