(The following article by Stacie Hamel was posted on the Omaha World-Herald website on October 5.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad has added two switch locomotives for rail yards that will have lower diesel air emissions.
The Omaha-based railroad ordered a prototype diesel “truck-engine” switch locomotive and leased a newer version of a hybrid electric locomotive known as the “Green Goat.”
Two years ago, U.P. was the first to test the original Green Goat hybrid in Roseville, Calif. “Goat” is a traditional nickname for switching locomotives.
“Union Pacific has been a leader in pursuing new technology to reduce diesel air emissions,” said Bob Grimaila, senior assistant vice president for safety, environment and security. “These locomotives will continue to advance our fleet as the most environmentally friendly on the continent.”
Both switching locomotives are expected to reduce nitrous oxides and particulate matter by approximately 70 percent to 90 percent.
The truck-engine switch locomotive will be certified under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “Tier 2” standards that become effective Jan. 1. Tier 2 certified locomotives have nitrous oxides emissions 67 percent lower than those of locomotives manufactured before 1973.
The newer hybrid electric Green Goat locomotive uses batteries to power its electric traction motors. A small diesel generator recharges the batteries. The hybrid is expected to achieve fuel savings of up to 80 percent.