Iarnród Éireann has launched a new renewable fuel pilot on its commuter train fleet, as part of its ongoing programme to reduce carbon emissions across the national rail network.
The trial will use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) - a renewable diesel alternative produced from vegetable oils and waste fats - to power two formerly diesel-fuelled trains on the Cork commuter network.
Iarnród Éireann said that HVO can cut emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel, serving as a drop-in replacement without the need for significant engine modifications.
The trial, which will run until June, is expected to use about 100,000 litres of ethically sourced HVO.
Each of the trains currently consumes between 3,000 and 4,000 litres of diesel a week and the pilot period is projected to cover 12 to 16 weeks of operation.
The company said the performance and reliability during the trial will be closely monitored to assess the potential for wider deployment of HVO across the fleet.
Iarnród Éireann already uses 100% HVO for all of its track maintenance vehicles.
HVO for the new trial is being supplied by Corrib Oil and Iarnród Éireann has received and verified the relevant ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) documentation for the fuel.
Mary Considine, Iarnród Éireann's chief executive, said the pilot is another important step in the company's 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," she said.
The rail company said that subject to a successful outcome, the findings of the pilot will inform future decisions on expanding the use of HVO as a lower carbon "drop-in" replacement for diesel on non-electrified routes, complementing Iarnród Éireann's broader investment in sustainable mobility.
