CSX, GE Transportation partner to pilot LNG trains

CSX Corporation and GE Transportation, a division of GE, have announced an agreement to explore emissions-cutting and efficiency breakthroughs in LNG technology for locomotives beginning with a pilot program in 2014.

"LNG technology has the potential to offer one of the most significant developments in railroading since the transition from steam to diesel in the 1950s," said Oscar Munoz, executive V.P. and COO, CSX Corporation.  

Natural gas-fueled locomotives can travel longer distances without refueling stops, as well as provide environmental and economic benefits.  Adoption of natural gas-fueled locomotives will make freight rail an even more attractive transportation solution and furthers the industry's ability to absorb traffic from the nation's highways in an environmentally efficient way.

"Locomotives are at an inflection point in balancing engine performance with efficiency and adherence to emissions standards," said Russell Stokes, CEO, GE Transportation.  "As we enter a new era of energy sources and what's possible for rail transport, we are excited to partner with CSX and lead the LNG transformation for the industry."

GE has been testing low-pressure natural gas technology since the spring of 2013, and is working closely with CSX and other Class 1 partners. Field tests are expected to begin in 2014. 

GE's NextFuel kits allow railroads to use natural gas as a fuel source, reducing emissions and potentially reducing fuel costs while not compromising performance. An Evolution Series locomotive equipped with the NextFuel Natural Gas Retrofit Kit meets U.S. EPA Tier 3 emission standards.

CSX will be working over the next few months to develop a test plan and secure regulatory concurrence.   For CSX, GE Transportation will deploy its new NextFuel Natural Gas Retrofit Kits that enable existing Evolution Series locomotives to operate with dual-fuel capabilities. 

CSX and GE will also work on the continued development of LNG technology for other classes of locomotives to promote gains across a larger portion of the CSX locomotive fleet, and will work closely with key stakeholders and agencies across government to ensure safety, realize environmental and other benefits, and advance LNG deployment.