The world’s first biogas-powered train, a renewable energy source derived from organic waste, officially commenced operations in Sweden on October 24.
After a successful trial run in June this year, the first biogas train departed at 2:32 PM local time (12:42 PM international time). Peter Unden, the marketing director of Svensk Biogas, the company that owns the train, stated, “Everything is going very well.”
The train connects Linköping (south of the capital Stockholm) with the eastern coastal town of Västervik, covering a distance of 80 kilometers. There is a schedule for one trip per day; however, “our capacity allows us to make two or more trips,” Unden mentioned. The train is equipped with 11 gas canisters and can travel up to 600 kilometers before needing to refuel, with a maximum speed of 130 km/h.
The train has a passenger capacity of 60 and is built from a Fiat chassis, with the diesel engine replaced by two Volvo gas engines. This modification has made the train more environmentally friendly, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our train does not run on conventional energy but on a renewable energy source. This is very beneficial for public transport systems.” With biogas, unlike oil, there will be no need to rely on imported fossil fuels from other countries. In fact, “people can produce their own energy, which will create jobs,” Unden added. Another advantage of biogas engines is that they operate more quietly.
TUONG VY (According to AFP)
