Firstly, Progress Rail revealed that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, to discuss potential opportunities for the development and deployment of an autonomous, zero-exhaust emissions and port-to-port concept, which could serve as the foundation for future rail operations globally.
The MoU aims to discuss areas of future collaboration for a potential fleet decarbonization, taking sustainable operations to the next level.
In August 2022, Progress Rail delivered the first batch of new EMD SD70 locomotives to Etihad Rail. Each of the fleet’s diesel-and-electricity-operated locomotives provides 4,600 BHP, which makes it one of the most powerful engines in the Middle East. The locomotives are equipped with the latest filtering innovations such as the pulse sand filtering system, ensuring the train operates at high effectiveness and efficiency when passing through desert regions. They also incorporate and comply with the latest technologies and standards for reducing emissions.
“Etihad Rail is always keen to develop new relationships that drive growth of a modern, safe, and sustainable railway sector in the UAE and the region,” said Ahmed Al Musawa, executive director of the passenger sector at Etihad Rail. “By developing the UAE National Rail Network, Etihad Rail is already contributing to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70-80%. The agreement comes in line with Etihad Rail’s vision of safely and sustainably connecting regions and communities and integrating people and industries through rail transport.”
During InnoTrans 2022 last week, Etihad Rail also signed contracts with SNCF International to “explore opportunities in different areas of mutual interest,” such as railway operations, train maintenance, workshops and training sessions, and rail projects in the UAE; with Alstom to explore the integration of advanced technologies and services in the railway industry, including sustainability; and with Thales for the digitization of Etihad Rail’s services.
Alongside the Etihad Rail MoU, Progress Rail also announced that it is supplying up to four EMD Joule battery electric locomotives to freight railroad operator BNSF. Supported in part by grant funding, the locomotives would replace BNSF diesel units operating in Southern California, with charging systems for continuous operation.
“Progress Rail is excited to provide this ground-breaking zero exhaust emission technology to BNSF,” said Marty Haycraft, president, and CEO of Progress Rail. “We are committed to helping our customers meet their emissions reduction goals.”
Combining its broad locomotive expertise with Caterpillar, Progress Rail will deliver the first battery electric locomotive with eight MWh of storage capacity, making the SD70J units the largest battery electric locomotives in North America.
“The Joule locomotive is an exciting advancement in battery-electric locomotive technology with more energy storage and faster charging,” commented John Lovenburg, vice president of environment & sustainability at BNSF. “The project is well aligned with BNSF’s commitment to innovation and leadership in sustainable freight. We are focused on continuing to reduce the environmental impact in the communities where we operate and proud to do our part to assess the commercial and operational viability of emerging technologies that reduce emissions.”
When delivered in 2024, the BNSF locomotives would operate in yards and routes in Southern California. Progress Rail will supply two charging stations.