In a significant step towards decarbonizing the rail freight sector, DB Cargo UK has switched to using hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) for all trains servicing Drax Power Station. This shift to a cleaner, 100% renewable fuel aligns with Drax Group’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the UK’s renewable energy targets.
The Power of Sustainable Rail Freight
Drax Power Station, the UK’s largest renewable energy plant, relies heavily on rail freight to transport approximately 4.5 million metric tons of biomass pellets annually. These pellets are a key component in producing the renewable electricity that powers around 2.3 million homes. DB Cargo operates around 60 trains per week to deliver this biomass, and by switching from traditional red diesel to HVO, the company is set to reduce its rail freight carbon emissions by up to 90%.
This reduction translates to over 12,000 tonnes of carbon saved each year—the equivalent of 30 million miles worth of car journeys. By making this change, DB Cargo is not only enhancing the sustainability of Drax’s supply chain but also contributing to the broader rail industry’s net-zero ambitions.
What is HVO?
HVO, marketed as one of the world’s purest and greenest fuels, is produced through the hydro-treatment of waste vegetable oils or animal fats. It offers significant reductions in harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions compared to traditional diesel. HVO is derived entirely from waste products, ensuring that no virgin materials are used in its manufacture, making it a truly sustainable alternative for industries looking to reduce their environmental impact.
A Strategic Move for the Future
The switch to HVO aligns with the UK Government’s targets for the rail industry, which include achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and eliminating diesel-only trains by 2040. Roger Neary, Chief Sales Officer at DB Cargo UK, highlighted the significance of this transition:
“The use of HVO in our trains will go a long way to helping us meet the Government’s challenge while also supporting Drax in meeting its own sustainability goals.”
Neary also pointed out that until there is a broader commitment to electrifying the UK rail network, HVO remains the most viable solution for decarbonizing rail freight. The hope is that with the right policies and incentives in place, more companies will follow Drax’s lead in making the switch to HVO.
The Bigger Picture: Decarbonizing the Supply Chain
Drax’s Plant Director, Bruce Heppenstall, emphasized that rail freight is already a more sustainable method for transporting biomass compared to road transport. The use of HVO-powered trains further enhances this sustainability by preventing an estimated 192,000 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) journeys annually, significantly reducing road congestion and emissions.
“We are proud that DB Cargo’s HVO-powered trains service Drax Power Station as we work toward decarbonizing our supply chains. Rail freight is a cleaner and greener option, and our partnership with DB Cargo plays a crucial role in helping us achieve our carbon-negative ambitions,” said Heppenstall.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Supporting Sustainable Rail Initiatives
At VURDHAAN, we are committed to driving sustainability in the transport and logistics sectors. Our expertise in areas such as green freight programs, alternative fuels like HVO, and fleet decarbonization allows us to guide organizations in making informed decisions that align with global sustainability goals. We understand the complexities of transitioning to cleaner fuels and provide tailored support to ensure seamless integration into existing operations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Green Freight
The collaboration between DB Cargo and Drax exemplifies how industry partnerships can accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future. As the rail freight sector continues to innovate, initiatives like these set a powerful example of how cleaner, renewable fuels can be integrated into large-scale logistics operations.
At VURDHAAN, we are excited to see more companies adopt sustainable practices and are ready to support the journey towards greener supply chains. The future of logistics lies in sustainable solutions, and with the right strategies in place, we can make significant strides in reducing carbon emissions and meeting global climate targets.