Trains to be trialed on jatropha biodiesel

Biodiesel made via jatropha has been cleared for field trials on trains in India.

The Research Design Standard Organisation, a division of Indian Railways, has passed the fuel developed by the Central Salt Marine and Chemical Research Institute to be potentially used on some railways still using diesel powered locomotives where electric lines have yet to be introduced

‘The RDSO has cleared the jatopha biodiesel, but a few more approvals are required so the trials may begin in about three months,’ a Western Railway official was quoted as saying. ‘Initial trials will use 10% biodiesel within conventional fuel, but this will scale-up as trials progress.’

The official did add that B100 tests had been conducted in a laboratory but ‘there were some issues with it’.

Those involved with the project currently believe jatropha biodiesel can be produced at Rs45-65 (€0.50-076) a litre.