GE and CSX announce pilot program to test LNG locomotives

13 November 2013

CSX Corporation and GE Transportation announced an agreement to explore liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology for locomotives beginning with a pilot program in 2014.

“LNG technology has the potential to offer one of the most significant developments in railroading since the transition from steam to diesel in the 1950s,” said Oscar Munoz, executive vice president and chief operating officer, CSX Corporation.

CSX is anticipating that natural gas-fueled locomotives can travel longer distances without refueling stops, as well as provide economic and environmental benefits.

GE has been testing low-pressure natural gas technology since spring of 2013, and is working closely with CSX and other Class 1 partners. Field tests are expected to begin in 2014.

The LNG technology will be based on the GE NextFuel™ natural gas retrofit kit. A GE Evolution Series locomotive equipped with the NextFuel retrofit kit meets US EPA Tier 3 emission standards, said the company.

For CSX, GE Transportation will deploy its new NextFuel™ natural gas retrofit kit that enables existing Evolution Series locomotives to operate with dual fuel capabilities. Over the next few months, CSX will develop a test plan and secure regulatory concurrence. CSX and GE will also work on the development of LNG technology for other classes of locomotives.

The companies said they will also work with key stakeholders and government agencies to “ensure safety, realize environmental and other benefits, and advance LNG deployment”.

Source: CSX Corporation