GBRf to use synthetic fuel to power locos hauling trains for renewable energy company Drax

GB Railfreight (GBRf) is to use synthetic fuel to power the locos operating its Drax freight flows during 2025.

GBRf has a contract with the renewable energy company to move sustainable biomass between both The Port of Liverpool and The Port of Tyne to Drax Power Station in Selby, West Yorkshire.

It has now signed a 12-month contract agreeing to use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) on these services.

GBRf recently announced that the same fuel will be used to power its Class 99 bi-mode locomotives when they’re not using overhead line equipment. The first example of the class is currently on test in the Czech Republic.

The freight operator has described the agreement as another milestone in its decarbonisation strategy.

Chief Executive John Smith said: “We’ve had a strong relationship with Drax for over 12 years and I’m delighted that, together, we’ve agreed to use HVO to deliver our services.

“This is one of many initiatives within GB Railfreight’s carbon reduction plan that will support the UK Government achieve its ambitions to make the UK a clean energy superpower.”

HVO is produced through the hydro-treatment process using vegetable oils or animal fats, this significantly reduces the harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions when used in diesel locomotives.