In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of rail transport and limit dependence on fossil fuels, LTG consistently evaluates alternatives to traditional diesel fuel available on the market. Currently, LTG, in collaboration with researchers from Klaipėda University, is conducting real-world tests of paraffinic diesel fuel on three types of rolling stock used by the LTG Group. During the tests, traditional diesel fuel in trains and locomotives is being replaced with hydrogenated vegetable oil fuel.

“As one of the most important freight and passenger carriers, LTG feels a responsibility to contribute to the country’s and Europe’s climate goals. Our ambition is not cosmetic changes, but a real reduction in negative environmental impact across the entire value chain, which is why we are consistently seeking solutions that can reduce companies’ dependence on fossil fuels,” said Vytautas Radzevičius, Head of Strategy and Development at the LTG Group.

Real-world testing of paraffin-based fuel is just one part of the projects through which LTG is pursuing its ambitious decarbonization goals. Currently underway is the largest railway electrification project in the history of independent Lithuania: the electrification of the Vilnius–Klaipėda line. Once the work is completed, the share of electrified railways in Lithuania will increase significantly—from the current 8 percent to 28 percent.

LTG Group companies “LTG Link” and “LTG Cargo” are consistently expanding their fleets of electric trains. The passenger transport company “LTG Link” is already testing newly acquired “Stadler” electric and hybrid-electric trains—a total of 15 new trains will be added to the company’s fleet. Freight carrier LTG Cargo has acquired 17 electric locomotives—they are expected to arrive in Lithuania next year.

According to V. Radzevičius, HVO is one of the approaches helping to reduce the environmental impact of the existing train fleet, especially in areas where electrification or other solutions are not technically or economically feasible in the near future.

Preliminary results: reduced pollution and smoke emissions

The pilot project covers various types of rolling stock: passenger trains, shunting locomotives, and mainline locomotives. The tests evaluate indicators of energy efficiency, operational performance, technical condition, and emissions.

To conduct the tests, LTG procured 1 million liters of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO100) through an open tender. HVO100), which is produced from 100% sustainably sourced renewable raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fats from food industry waste and residues. The number 100 next to the abbreviation indicates that this fuel is completely pure and contains no fossil fuel additives.

Research conducted by scientists at Klaipėda University shows that replacing conventional diesel with HVO100 fuel does not affect the stable operation of internal combustion engines in railway rolling stock. No significant changes in the operation of fuel or air supply systems were observed, and energy efficiency indicators remain essentially unchanged. Fuel consumption remains nearly the same, and no impact on engine performance was observed.

The tests also found that emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) were reduced by about 40 percent, smoke emissions were reduced by up to 100 percent in certain engine operating modes, and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were reduced by up to 60 percent.

The amount of CO₂ emitted into the environment during engine combustion has changed only slightly; however, when considering the entire fuel life cycle (well-to-wheel), emissions can be reduced by up to 90 percent—which is a significant step toward contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Science – a guarantee of the reliability of solutions

According to Artūras Razbadauskas, Rector of Klaipėda University, it is scientific evaluation that allows us to distinguish between solutions that actually work and mere declarative promises.

“Good intentions alone are not enough for the energy and transportation transition—data, long-term measurements, and critical analysis are essential. Projects such as real-world HVO100 testing allow for an objective assessment of both technical and environmental impacts and enable decisions based on facts rather than assumptions,” says the rector.

The HVO100 tests currently underway are just part of a broader strategy. Next, the long-term impact on engine longevity, maintenance costs, and the operation of the entire rolling stock fleet will be evaluated, along with the economic benefits of paraffinic diesel, while also analyzing other alternatives to fossil fuels. The pilot project is scheduled to be fully completed by the middle of next year.