ScotRail has begun an innovative trial to power one of its trains using fuel made from agricultural and food production byproducts.

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a renewable and biodegradable fuel that complies with fire safety standards and reduces carbon emissions by up to 16%. It improves air quality by almost a third compared with traditional diesel.

A dedicated HVO fuel tank has been installed at Corkerhill Depot, with weekly fuel deliveries to support the operation of a single Class 156 unit, which will remain in passenger service throughout the 12-week trial. 

It is being delivered in partnership with Angel Trains and Crown Oil.

Poul Wend Hansen, ScotRail head of sustainability, said: “This trial is an exciting step forward in our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of Scotland’s railways.

“HVO has the potential to significantly lower our carbon footprint while allowing us to continue using existing diesel trains more sustainably.

“We’re eager to see the results and assess how this fuel could be part of a greener future for rail travel.”