The official kick-off for the second shunter locomotive retrofit in Baltics using NYSMART dual fuel system
Another important milestone to be achieved with the second shunter locomotive retrofit in Baltics with our partners Enefit Kaevandused. More than a year ago DiGas and Estonian state-owned energy company Enefit Kaevandused signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] to retrofit and pilot two types of diesel shunter locomotives TEM-2 to operate in dual-fuel mode using LNG.
Enefit Kaevandused handles the mining of oil shale to supply electricity and oil producers with fuel and raw materials. In 2018, the logistics unit of Enefit Kaevandused delivered via railways 12.4 M tons of oil shale and 0.5 M tons of crude shale oil, ash, and crushed stone.
Therefore, with the upgrade of diesel locomotives to much more sustainable and inexpensive fuel and based on the detailed data received from their operation, Enefit Kaevandused expects to improve the efficiency of locomotive fleet management. Since the engine management system of the upgraded LNG locomotive provides extensive information on the locomotive and its engine operations and fuel consumption that will allow further savings and provide an ability to predict more precisely major repairs and maintenance. It was estimated and now confirmed by data from the first pilot project of DiGas with Latvian Railway company operating the first dual-fuel shunter locomotive in Baltics that the retrofitted locomotives will on average provide around 25 000 EUR in fuel costs savings per year while emitting 20% less carbon dioxide, 80% less particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide as well as 30% less nitrogen oxide.
At the end of 2019 both companies hoped that they would be able to kick-off modernization activities and conclude them in 2020 bringing this second dual-fuel shunter locomotive in Baltics on tracks. However, the emergency situation caused by the coronavirus in Estonia and elsewhere in Europe changed the plans. Therefore, the practical activities with the locomotive restarted now and according to the new schedule should be completed by the beginning of the summer this year. Both companies are working hard to stick to the schedule. Stay tuned and follow our progress here and on our social media.
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