Romanian manufacturer introduces first biodiesel-powered locomotive

Locomotive producer Reloc – Electroputere VFU Craiova, part of the railway group Grampet, has developed the first locomotive in Romania which runs exclusively on pure biodiesel or vegetable oil.

The engine is equivalent to a traditional diesel-powered engine in power and performance, but with much lower polluting emissions, the company says.

The locomotive is still being tested, and so far the company has reported successful results.

The engine was modified from one of the most widely used diesel engines in Romania.

Over 2,000 such locomotives have been produced over the years by Electroputere Craiova, with many of them still transporting freight as well as passengers.