OptiFuel Lands Locomotive Repower Project in Argentina

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor

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Repowering existing freight locomotives to zero NOx, PM and CO2 emissions using RNG. (Graphic and caption details, courtesy of Business Wire and OptiFuel)

Beaufort, S.C.-based OptiFuel Systems has signed a collaboration agreement with the Argentina Ministry of Transportation through Ferrocarriles Argentinos Sociedad del Estado (F.A.S.E.) to upgrade 400 switcher and line-haul freight locomotives from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG) and/or renewable natural gas (RNG) power.

OptiFuel on July 12 reported that it is developing modular repower kits for diesel locomotives and new locomotives in all lengths, horsepower levels and track gauges. For the Argentina project, it said the kits will include OptiFuel’s zero-emission CNG/RNG engines pods in a hybrid configuration (1,500 hp-4,500 hp); locomotive control modules; and onboard CNG/RNG storage pods that can carry up to 2,000 diesel gallon equivalents (DGEs) of natural gas. Additionally, OptiFuel will provide powered tender cars (3,000 hp) that can carry 11,500 DGEs of CNG/RNG, and construct about 12-15 CNG fuel stations along Argentina’s rail network, each with the capacity to refuel a tender car in less than an hour. The kits will be built in the United States and shipped for local assembly in Argentina.

OptiFuel’s zero-emission rail engine solutions are powered by its EPA-certified locomotive CNG/RNG engine rated at 0.00 g/bhp-hr for NOx, 0.000 g/bhp-hr for PM, and Negative CO2 using RNG, according to the company.

“OptiFuel is excited about the opportunity to provide zero-emission locomotives, tenders and refueling equipment to Argentina,” OptiFuel President Scott Myers said. “OptiFuel developed and certified these technologies for rail because we believe there is a need for cleaner locomotives that drive increasing value to the world’s railroads, railroad customers and communities.”

“Our Transportation Modernization Plan is about developing more infrastructure throughout the country, and it is also about innovative technology—such as this change in the energy matrix of our trains, to make them cleaner, more efficient, sustainable and cheaper,” Argentina Transport Minister Alexis Guerrera said.