The new multi-system Iberian gauge EURO6000 locomotives come from the Stadler Euro Dual family of locomotives, a European benchmark in the locomotive segment due to their greater load traction capacity, which enables the transport of longer and heavier trains.
One of the main characteristics of the new electric traction locomotives is that they will not generate CO2 emissions as they will be powered by 100% renewable electrical energy. In addition to their environmental credentials, the new trains offer low aggressiveness against the road, a low level of internal and external noise and the absence of vibrations.
In the contract between Renfe and Stadler, four of the 12 units had to be delivered before the end of 2022, but according to Renfe, thanks to Stadler’s “good pace of manufacturing work,” six units are set to be delivered by the end of the year.
The locomotives will be “tri-voltage” (25 kV AC, 3kV DC and 1.5 kV DC) and will have six shafts. With the new trains, Renfe Mercancías will strengthen its operations through the new Pajares Base Tunnel, which is a twin pair of railway tunnels beneath the Puerto de Pajares pass in the Cantabrian Mountains, Spain.
With the acquisition of these locomotives, which will mean greater load capacity and better levels of reliability, Renfe Mercancías intends to increase its activity and its share in rail transport. The increase in the activity of Renfe Mercancías would also help decrease transport emissions.
In 2020, transport carried out by Renfe Mercancías avoided the release of 850,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere and the consumption of 425,000 equivalent tons of oil.