The aim of the joint research project, which will run from 2024 to 2025, is to verify the applicability of this biodiesel fuel in passenger diesel railcars and its subsequent use in normal operation. In addition to the above-mentioned companies, the Centre of Vehicles for Sustainable Mobility of the Czech Technical University (ČVUT), Výzkumný ústav železniční (VUZ - Railway Research Institute), PESA and ORLEN Unipetrol Research and Education Centre are also involved in the project.
“This activity fits in with České dráhy’s long-term strategy in the area of reducing emissions and using renewable resources and is in line with the European Union’s RED III directive, which increased the greenhouse gas savings target from 6% up to 14.5% in 2030 compared to 2019. It is also in line with the National Clean Mobility Plan of the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic,” says Jiří Ješeta, Member of the Board of Directors and Deputy Director General of ČD for Passenger Transport.
The project is scheduled to run from 2024 to 2025 and consists of three phases. In the first phase, suitable fuel blends will be identified, their certification will take place and the legislative issue will be clarified. In the second phase, these blends will be tested in Pesa 847 class diesel multiple units at the Velim VUZ test centre. The Rolls-Royce engines in these units are homologated to run on biofuels such as a blend of diesel and HVO. In the final, third part of the project, the fuel blends will be tested under real operating conditions on the railways of selected regions that have already expressed an interest in running low emission footprint trains.
