Researchers successfully trial innovative biofuel for steam trains

Researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University have successfully completed a live trial of a newly developed alternative fuel for steam locomotives, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for heritage railways. 

Together, the team, through the Supergen Bioenergy Impact grant, has explored innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of steam railways and support the long-term sustainability of the heritage rail sector.  

The successful live trial demonstrated the potential of alternative fuels to help preserve the operation of historic steam locomotives while contributing to wider decarbonisation efforts. They have created a fuel made from various plant waste products and other materials, all with a reduced carbon content, ensuring there are lower emissions produced in a heritage steam locomotive engine.  

The research team included Professor David Bamford, Chair in Operations Management, Dr Olawole Kuti, Senior Lecturer in School of Engineering and Environment, and doctoral researcher Kadiri Abioye from Manchester Met, who worked with industry partners Marcus Mayers and Gary Rowntree of RASIC Ltd and Andrew Barnes of Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham. 

 The trial represents an important step in exploring how heritage railways can improve their environmental sustainability while preserving the historic character of steam-powered transport.   

Professor David Bamford from  Manchester Met, said: “At Manchester Met, we’re passionate about working with industries to find practical solutions to real-world challenges. Steam railways are an important part of Britain’s heritage, but like many sectors they face challenges associated with long-term sustainability.  

This project is a great example of how we can bring together academic research and industry expertise to test new approaches to sustainability and explore how alternative fuels could help secure the future of heritage steam railways.” 

While further research and testing will be needed to establish the fuel’s full environmental performance, the trial demonstrates how collaboration between academia, industry and heritage railway operators can help identify practical approaches to supporting a more sustainable future for steam railways. 

Marcus Mayers from RASIC, said:  “We were impressed by how well the fuel performed during the trial. We expected several more years of development, so the results exceeded our expectations. Feedback from the locomotive crew was extremely positive, with the fuel comparing favourably to other alternatives they have used. 

Manchester Metropolitan University has been an outstanding partner throughout this project. The team’s professionalism and scientific rigour have helped turn an ambitious concept into a credible product far sooner than we anticipated. We’re excited to move into the next phase of testing and build on these promising results.”