French National Railways has begun trials of Aquazole, developed by ELF Antar France to reduce diesel emissions. The fuel is being used by Class 8000 and 63500 shunting locomotives based at La Villette depot outside Paris Est, where local residents have complained about high levels of atmospheric pollution.
Aquazole is an emulsion of fine water droplets in diesel fuel, with the water making up between 10 and 15% of the mixture. When used in heavy lorries, the fuel has significantly reduced the level of emissions, especially nitrous oxides, particulates and black smoke. Once the trials to compare emissions levels with conventional diesel fuel are complete, SNCF and ELF Antar France will be examining the technical and commercial implications of adopting Aquazole, which could also be used by railcars and locomotives deployed on the main line.
ELF Antar, France
Reader Enquiry Number 139
