UP to use low-emission diesel-hybrid in California

UP to use low-emission diesel-hybrid in California    Union Pacific Railroad said Wednesday it will deploy its first low-emission diesel-hybrid “Green Goat Series” locomotive in California, to be used in light switching service in the Fresno yard area.
   The hybrid locomotive is powered by large banks of storage batteries. When the locomotive is not running, a small low-emissions diesel engine on board recharges the batteries.
   Union Pacific said it expects the hybrid to cut air emissions by 80 to 90 percent and reduce diesel fuel use by 50 to 80 percent compared to a conventional diesel-powered switching locomotive.
   In March, Canadian Pacific Railway said it was purchasing 35 “Green Goat Series” hybrid locomotives over a four-year period from RailPower Technologies Corp.