Vale is studying the use of ammonia to move giant trains without emitting CO2

Vale is developing an ammonia engine for its locomotives used on the Carajás Railway (EFC), currently powered by diesel. In July, the mining company announced a partnership with Wabtec Corporation to develop an engine that does not emit carbon dioxide, as an alternative fuel to diesel.

Vale’s railway network represents 10% of the company’s carbon emissions, which aims to become zero carbon by 2050. The largest iron ore transport train in the world runs along this stretch, with 330 wagons carrying 45 thousand tons of iron ore. iron ore.

Vehicle tests have not yet been carried out. The first studies will be carried out in the laboratory, to evaluate performance, reduction of emissions and viability of ammonia as a fuel.

According to Vale, ammonia allows the locomotive to have greater autonomy compared to other fuels and high octane.

The EFC covers 27 cities between the states of Pará and Maranhão and is 970 kilometers long. In addition to passengers, it transports iron ore, soybeans and much of the fuel that supplies southwest Maranhão and southeast Pará.