The new Zero CO2 locomotive is part of Renfe’s €64.7m order for 12 new high-power Stadler locomotives announced in February 2022. The locomotives emit zero emissions according to Renfe as they are 100% electric and powered using renewable sources. They also have greater traction and load capacity than previous units.
The locomotives will be operated by Renfe’s freight subsidiary, Renfe Mercancías, which will use them to transport goods, such as hot rolled coil, for ArcelorMittal in Spain. Renfe Mercancías is ArcelorMittal’s main railway operator in the country.
The first Zero CO2 unit, which consisted of 20 wagons, plus the locomotive, left ArcelorMittal’s factory in Trasona in northern Spain last week, with a hot rolled coil load of 1,440 gross tons.
“Renfe Mercancías’s basic objective is to offer its customers the best service at the best possible cost,” the firm noted. “For this reason, given the challenges for the transport of goods that savings in CO2 emissions entail, both companies have strengthened their commercial relationship with the progressive contribution by Renfe of 12 new high-power locomotives with greater traction and load capacity. In addition to improving safety, reliability, and availability, they have low aggressiveness against the road, a lower noise level and no vibrations,” it added.