US Steel has converted two of its diesel locomotives into battery-operated locomotives, in a bid to reduce emissions from the company’s operations in Pennsylvania.
The two new locomotives were built by Innovative Rail Technologies with investments of $2.3 million from US Steel and additional investment from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The locomotives are located at the company’s Mon Valley Works’ Edgar Thompson and Clairton plants.
Between the two, the locomotives will reduce airborne particulate matter emissions by .385 tons, equivalent to about 7,000 gas-powered cars, the company said. The switch to battery power will also reduce the amount of diesel fuel consumed at the two facilities by 40,000 gallons each year.
“Mon Valley Works is the first industrial site to deploy this technology to reduce small particulate matter emissions from its locomotive fleet.”
Scott Buckiso, senior vice president and chief manufacturing officer for US Steel
“Mon Valley Works is the first industrial site to deploy this technology to reduce small particulate matter emissions from its locomotive fleet,” said Scott Buckiso, senior vice president and chief manufacturing officer for US Steel. “Advancing our Best for All strategy means producing solutions that benefit our customers and communities, people, and planet. This includes investing in technological advancements at our facilities.”
“We are proud to bring this innovative and sustainable technology to US Steel’s Mon Valley Works.”
Ira Dorfman, principal at IRT
“We are proud to bring this innovative and sustainable technology to US Steel’s Mon Valley Works,” said Ira Dorfman, principal at IRT. “Battery propulsion technology is already in use throughout many modes of transportation, and rail transportation is the next step.”
Source: Environment + Energy Leader