South Western Railway has completed a revolutionary trial of new technology which successfully reduces harmful emissions from diesel trains by over 90%.
In partnership with Porterbrook, and emissions specialist, Eminox, SWR trialled a new emissions system which delivered immediate, real-world reductions in pollution from nitrous oxides (NOx) by over 80% and hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter (PM) by more than 90%.
Eminox’s EMxS5 emissions reduction system was fitted to the exhaust of a Class 159 train in full passenger usage between Waterloo and Exeter, and is the first successful transfer of proven emissions reduction technology in to a rail environment.
The significant reduction in these harmful pollutants - which causes significant long-term damage to the environment and people’s health - means this technology can enable mid-life diesel trains to closely match strict modern emissions standards for non-road machinery.
The trial, funded by the Department for Transport through InnovateUK’s first-of-a-kind funding (‘FoaK2’), was completed in March this year following six months of testing.
How the technology works:
The retrofit technology uses an oxidation catalyst and a wall-flow filter to remove PM, including ultra-fine particles which are classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation. It’s also combined with selective catalytic reduction technology which utilises urea to reduce NOx emissions, a harmful gas which exacerbates respiratory issues.
Rail is one of the most sustainable forms of transport for every mile travelled, emitting significantly less emissions than travelling by car or plane. Yet, nearly a third of the UK’s rolling stock remains powered by diesel engines and can be a significant source of harmful emissions for rail passengers and local communities.
Electrification and bi-mode trains provide long-term environmentally friendly solutions, but the cost and time required for implementation means a retrofitted technology can deliver more immediate air quality benefits for UK rail passengers in the short-term, wherever it operates.
The technology has been recognised by the National Rail Awards 2020 by being shortlisted in the Sustainable Business category as a joint entry between Eminox, Porterbrook and SWR.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said:
“The success of this trial in reducing harmful emissions underlines the importance of the First of a Kind competition, which funds pioneering projects to support better, more environmentally friendly rail journeys.
“Reducing the railway’s environmental impact and supporting decarbonisation is a priority for this Government. Harnessing innovation like this will be crucial in making our railways greener and cleaner in the future.”
Kelvin Davies, Innovation Lead - Rail at Innovate UK, said:
“Working with the Department for Transport, Innovate UK has sought the best ideas from innovators to make our railway ever greener. Technology such as that developed by Eminox and deployed by Porterbrook and SWR delivers a win-win.
"Not only will people and the environment benefit from greatly-reduced emissions but also the commercial opportunities and export potential is clear too.”
Mary Grant, CEO of Porterbrook, said:
“As a rolling stock asset management business, Porterbrook takes seriously its responsibility to develop innovative ways of reducing emissions. We are particularly pleased to be able to do this by drawing on proven technologies from other sectors.
“Porterbrook believes by partnering with South Western Railway and automotive after-treatment specialists, Eminox, we can accelerate the delivery of cleaner and more environmentally friendly trains to Britain’s railways.”
Carlos Vicente, Retrofit and Aftermarket Sales Director for Eminox, said:
“Here at Eminox we are wholly committed to using innovation and technology to improve air quality and tackle climate change.
“For more than 20 years we have developed cutting-edge retrofit technology, which has significantly reduced diesel exhaust emissions from public transport and commercial vehicles helping to improve air quality.
“We have worked in partnership with both South Western Railway and Porterbrook to adapt our technology for the rail sector. This ground-breaking trial demonstrates how it is possible to dramatically reduce rail emissions in a timely and cost-effective way.”
Neil Drury, Engineering Director for South Western Railway, said:
“We’re rising to the challenge of tackling climate change by developing innovative technology that minimises the impact of air pollution from diesels trains on passengers and the communities we serve.
“We’re serious about sustainability, and determined to use expertise and technology from inside and outside the industry to help clean-up older trains and deliver greener, cleaner journeys.”
