Research grants for rail biofuels


Two new research grants from the US Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration are aimed a projects which include dynamic testing of locomotives and rolling stock.

US train

US locomotive Image: cliff1066

The $700,000 fund will be split between two research projects to assess the effectiveness of biofuels and biolubricants in comparison to petroleum-based products in rail equipment.

For fuels, key factors must include energy co-efficients, emissions, cost, availability, public benefit and performance.

For the lubes research, test areas include potential use of soy-based grease and hydraulic fluids; health and safety comparisons; environmental impact; performance and effects on equipment components.

Applications for the funding must be submitted by 7 June 2010.