LOWER emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants would be the main benefit of a railcar powered by compressed natural gas. French National Railways’ research department is working on plans to have a prototype available for trials within two years. Based on the X73500 diesel railcars being built by De Dietrich, it would cost around 15 to 20% more.
CO2 emissions would fall to around 20% of those from a diesel railcar, with ozone release reduced by 80%, soot and other particle emissions virtually eliminated, and engine noise cut by 3dB(A). Designers are wrestling with ways to carry the gas; current proposals envisage that nine bottles would be mounted in a roof pod at each end of the car, with the gas stored at a pressure of 200 bar. SNCF envisages working with Gaz de France, which would provide the fuelling installations. To be viable, each railcar would need enough gas for 900 km.
