Union Pacific's most environmentally
friendly yard locomotive is on the job at J. R. Davis Rail Yard in Roseville,
Calif. The first of four next generation Genset locomotives arrived in Northern
California this week and is already pushing rail cars into place throughout
the Union Pacific yard. The switcher builds on Genset technology developed by
Union Pacific over the past six years, and is part of the railroad’s ongoing
efforts to continue reducing air emissions in cooperation with federal, state
and local environmental agencies.
The new Genset switcher is powered by three 667-horsepower ultra-low-emission
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) off-road Tier 3-certified diesel
engines. The switcher is projected to cut emissions of nitrous oxides by 80
percent and particulate matter by 90 percent, while using up to 30 percent less
fuel when compared to older switching locomotives. The fuel savings also translates
into a reduction of greenhouse gases by up to 30 percent.
“Genset technology is just one example of the revolutionary efforts underway
at Union Pacific to build and maintain the greenest locomotive fleet in the
industry,” said Jim Young, chairman and chief executive officer. “The
units’ innovative use of three engines allows it to produce power when
needed for switching operations while reducing emissions and using less fuel.
We’re not stopping here; we will continue our research and development
efforts across our railroad to help us maintain our industry leading role in
caring for the environment.”
Union Pacific plans to deploy four of the next generation Gensets at the Davis
yard in coming months. With six traction motors, the new Gensets offer more
power than the first production units, which have four motors. The two additional
motors give the new switchers increased pushing power to sort rail cars and
build trains within the Davis yard.
The new Gensets were partially funded with Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality
Standards Attainment program multi-district funds with the cooperation of the
Sacramento Metro Air Pollution Control District, Placer County APCD, ARB and
others.
Union Pacific began studies and tests of the prototype Genset switcher locomotive
in 2002 and now has a total of 159 units working in California and Texas. Several
other United States railroads have recently followed UP’s lead and are
using similar Genset switching locomotives, while railroads in Canada, Mexico
and South America are interested in the technology.
