UK Transport Awards 2023 | 11 powered. The work of SBL-Rail has proven this is possible on mainstays within the UK transport vehicle fleets, namely the modern Class 66 and the heritage Class 37. The impact of these changes cannot be understated, however. Some of the most important work undertaken by Shimon and the SBLRail team has focused on showing operators the impact of adopting these new powertrains for their specific routes and operations. Many operators have changed their practices to work around the challenges posed by working with electric vehicles, but the SBLRail team keep all options open by adopting different fuels for the internal combustion engine. Early internal combustion engines were, in point of fact, powered by what we would now call biofuels such as vegetable oils and fruit and vegetable derived alcohols. Whilst a path long forgotten by many, it’s a viable way forward that offers the flexibility that many in the industry need. Since first opening their doors, SBL-Rail has seen tremendous demand for its services, with greater interest and receptiveness to what they are doing in all quarters. “Adopting alternative and renewable fuels was more of an altruistic idea for owners and operators concerned about how their operations are emitting net positive carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere rather than due to any external request or pressure,” Shimon says with a wry smile. “Railway vehicle operators and owners are now looking for solutions, in particular for freight locomotives. These are a particularly challenging sector to transition from fossil fuel diesel use given not only its fantastic high energy density, but also the resulting energy that can thus be stored on the locomotive and the power requirements of freight locomotives and their operations.” The future looks bright indeed for SBL-Rail, with dual fuel evolution concepts for the Class 37 and Class 66 locomotives which see biomethane, biopropane and hydrogen dual fuel engines adopted. There is still, however, a great deal of work to be done. “We are currently working on further research and development and combustion modelling to further improve the combustion process and engine models used for the powertrain and route simulations thus far and with these fuels,” Shimon tells us. “Plus we are working on further dual fuel concepts with other fuels e.g. biogas (the initial product from an anaerobic digestion plant – which is used to make biomethane), hythane (a blend of methane and hydrogen), and ammonia.” It’s clear from the exciting ideas being thrown around by the SBL-Rail team that the future is bright indeed for this incredible company. In a world where change needs to happen, they are finding the best way for operators, and the industry at large, to bring this change to life. With tremendous success for their efforts justly recognised in the UK Transport Awards, we can’t wait to see what they do next! Company: SBL-Rail Name: Shimon Shapiro Email: Shimon.shapiro@sbl-rail.co.uk or info@sbl-rail.co.uk Web Address: www.sbl-rail.co.uk
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