ScotRail has launched a 12-week trial using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a sustainable fuel alternative in one of its Class 156 trains. The trial began on 19 February 2025 and is taking place at the Corkerhill Depot, in partnership with Angel Trains and Crown Oil.
HVO, a renewable and biodegradable fuel, could play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions on Scotland’s Railway. It offers a potential transition fuel while carbon-neutral options such as green hydrogen become more widely available. If successful, HVO could help reduce the environmental impact of Scotland’s rail network.
The benefits of HVO include:
- A renewable fuel sourced from waste products of agricultural and food production.
- Up to a 16% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improved air quality, reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and carbon monoxide emissions.
- No need for modifications to existing diesel engines, allowing for easy implementation.
The ScotRail HVO trial involves the installation of a dedicated HVO fuel tank at Corkerhill Depot, with weekly fuel deliveries supporting the operation of a single Class 156 unit (156 436), which will remain in passenger service throughout the trial period.
“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,” Poul Wend Hansen, ScotRail’s Head of Sustainability, said.
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