EWS, operator of the Royal Train and Britain’s largest rail freight haulier, today (Friday 14 September) announces that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will become the first passenger in Britain to travel on a train hauled by a locomotive fuelled by 100% bio fuel, in a trial that will reduce CO2 emissions by 19% for its journey to Scarborough.

The service forms part of a four month programme of testing to assess the suitability of this fuel for mainline rail services. EWS has worked closely with the Royal Household as part of its continuing work to lower the amount of carbon emitted from transportation to Royal engagements.

If the results from the trial prove positive, it will assist in the decision making process regarding the Royal Train being permanently powered by 100% bio fuel and allow EWS to consider operating freight trains for its customers using the same fuel, subject to acceptable levels of bio fuel duty. Passenger train operating companies could also consider using this fuel.

The trial follows in-depth testing by EWS to assess the impact various blends of bio-diesel would have on the locomotive. These tests concluded that 100% bio-diesel could be used for mainline operations. EWS engineers will evaluate the results of the trial using the locomotive hauling the Royal Train as part of the on-going programme to assess the suitability of this fuel for powering trains on Britain's railway network.

The bio fuel used for the trial comes from sustainable sources and has been supplied by Green Fuels. This fuel meets the European EN 14214 standard and is produced from selected waste vegetable oil, which ensures the fuel is made from rapeseed or sunflower derived waste cooking oil. Importantly, it does not contain palm or other hydrogenated oils commonly found in other fuels.

The Royal Train will be powered by 100% bio diesel for the duration of its use for the Scarborough visit. The train will cover over 900 miles, which provides the best trial conditions to assess the effectiveness of the fuel.

Keith Heller, EWS Chief Executive, said: “This trial is a major step forward in evaluating the suitability of bio diesel for the UK rail industry. Our engineers will be assessing the results of this trial, including the impact of this fuel on the locomotive engine. The Royal Train today operated with a one fifth reduction in the size of its carbon footprint, further enhancing an already sustainable means of transportation.”

Mr Heller continued: “Rail freight already produces five times less CO2 than road haulage for each tonne mile moved. If the right conditions are in place, 100% bio diesel could be used for our regular rail freight services, and the already green credentials of rail will have just got a lot better. We eagerly look forward to the analysis from our engineers.”