Latest News | 13 July 2021
Rail Minister hails emission reduction tech trial success
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has praised new technology being trialled by East Midlands Railway, which has shown a big reduction in emissions.
The train operator is undertaking a £600,000 pilot, in partnership with rolling stock company Porterbrook and emissions specialist Eminox, using technology on one of its passenger trains running between Matlock and Derby.
It has fitted a 2-box emissions reduction system to the exhaust of the Class 170 train, which uses an oxidation catalyst and a filter to partly remove pollution from nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
Performance data will be collected from the trial to understand if the technology will be a viable option for wider use in the industry – early indications show that emissions are reduced by up to 80%.
Mr Heaton-Harris said: “Harnessing innovations like this will help to make our railways greener and cleaner as we build back better from Covid-19.”
Neil Bamford, fleet director at East Midlands Railway, said the company was delighted to be able to support the trial.
He said: “We are constantly looking for opportunities to reduce our environmental impact and deliver greener, cleaner journeys for our passengers.
“That is why we are excited to support this project and help explore if this innovative technology can have an impact on cutting down pollution.”
Mary Grant, chief executive at Porterbrook, said: “As a rolling stock asset owner and manager, Porterbrook is committed to developing innovative technologies that can help reduce emissions from our diesel fleets.
“We are particularly pleased to be able to do this by drawing on proven technologies from other sectors.
“Porterbrook believes by partnering with East Midlands Railway and automotive after-treatment specialists, Eminox, we can accelerate the delivery of cleaner and more environmentally friendly trains on Britain’s railway.”
