Virgin Trains Biodiesel Train Travel in the U.K.

Virgin Trains, run by Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin airlines fame, recently launched Europe’s first biodiesel passenger train. This train was created in an effort to cut down on carbon emissions and singlehandedly save the earth from air pollution. Okay, maybe not the last part :). It certainly is an improvement over the trains currently in use. Biodiesel fuel is similar to diesel gasoline but is made from a blend of diesel and natural renewable resources (like corn).

According to Business Traveler Magazine, “Virgin is testing a B20 blend (20 per cent biofuel) provided by Greenergy Fuels Ltd, on one Virgin Voyager over the next six months.” Good job, Rich.

The biodiesel trial is part of a six month national biodiesel program conducted by Virgin Trains, the Association of Train Operating Companies and the Rail Safety and Standards Board to pioneer a sustainable fuel for the rail industry. The test is intended to determine the amount of carbon reduction that may be achieved by the fuel switch and how the engines will be affected. The flip side is that the extra vegetation needed for the fuel can negatively impact food sources.

Greenergy, the fuel company, uses rapeseed oil, palm oil and soybean oil in its biodiesel blend. Approximately 70% of the crops are grown in the UK and the rest from the US or Asia.

Sir Branson mentioned next year we will fly one of our 747s on a test flight using a biofuel. Wow! He just stays one step ahead of the rest of the transportation industry.

If you want to see how it rides, the biofuel powered train will be running on several routes over the next six months including: Birmingham New Street – Edinburgh, York – Bristol Temple Meads and Manchester Piccadilly – Reading.

Virgin has pledged to invest 100% of any profits made by its train and plane companies, for the next ten years, into developing clean fuels.

Via Business Traveller