Ethanol-Powered Locomotives Become Part of Vale and Wabtec’s Program
21.10.2025
Vale in association with Wabtec inaugurated a venture for Brazil’s trials with ethanol-powered locomotives with an aim to reduce carbon emissions as well as reinforce Brazil’s sustainable railway transportation.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
Ethanol-Powered Locomotives and Vale’s Decarbonization Strategy
Vale and Wabtec are evaluating double-fuel engines that can be operated on diesel or ethanol blends.
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The experiments are started in test lab situations to determine the best fuel mix and test ethanol’s effect on engine performance.
The outcome will serve as a foundation for field tests on Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas (EFVM) railway that is held by Vale.
The project will be running until 2027 end, when the company can begin refueling its locomotive fleet with the new fuel.
Vale already bought 50 Evolution series locomotives from Wabtec that can be used with up to 25% biofuel blends.
This step aligns with Vale’s long-term decarbonization strategy since its railroad operations emitted approximately 14% of total enterprise CO₂ emissions last 2024.
How Ethanol-Powered Locomotives Could Transform the Rail Industry?
Revitalize the Rail Market Using ethanol as fuel helps reduce dependence on diesel and lowers CO₂ emissions. Additionally, ethanol is made from renewable energy sources so it’s a strategic energy source for agricultural nations such as Brazil.
Wabtec considers this acquisition as its opportunity toincrease its share in the eco-technology marketplace. The company keeps on innovating hybrid as well as dual-fuel technologies that enhance efficiency, sustainability, as well as digital control of railways.
This partnership among a big player as well as a leading manufacturer is a precedent of environmentally friendly industrial development. Vale hopes that ethanol-powered locomotive trials would lower operating expenses while boosting its environmental credibility.
News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:
What are ethanol-powered locomotives?
They are dual-fuel engines capable of running on diesel and ethanol, reducing emissions and promoting cleaner railway transport.
When will Vale start using ethanol-powered locomotives?
Laboratory tests are expected to conclude by 2027, after which Vale will decide on full-scale implementation.
Can ethanol be used in rail transport in other countries?
Yes. Ethanol is already being explored as a sustainable alternative to diesel in the United States, India, and Argentina.
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