Vale & Wabtec Ethanol Rail Test: Vitória-Minas Railway Decarbonization **Key Term Prioritization:** 1. **Vitória-Minas Railway (Brazil)** 2. **Vale** 3. **Wabtec** 4. Ethanol 5. Decarbonization

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Introduction

Vale and Wabtec have agreed to test ethanol in locomotives on the Vitória-Minas Railway, with studies planned through 2027 to assess the fuel’s application in the fleet.

Ethanol Testing Agreement

Vale and Wabtec have entered into an agreement to test the use of ethanol in locomotives. The initial phase involves studying a dual-fuel engine capable of operating on both diesel and a diesel-ethanol blend on the Vitória-Minas Railway.

Testing and Evaluation

The studies will begin in laboratories to validate the concept and assess performance, emissions reduction, and the ethanol/diesel substitution rate. Tests are projected to continue through 2027 to evaluate future application within the Vitória-Minas Railway fleet.

Decarbonization Initiatives

This agreement aligns with Vale’s rail decarbonization program and is part of a series of joint initiatives with Wabtec. The use of ethanol, a renewable fuel, aims to replace fossil diesel consumption. Previously, the two companies agreed to purchase 50 locomotives equipped with Evolution Series engines, which can operate with up to a 25-percent biodiesel blend. Vale and Wabtec will conduct additional tests to potentially increase this percentage.

Sustainability Goals

In 2020, Vale established a goal to reduce direct and indirect emissions by 33% by 2030, contributing to its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This aligns with the Paris Agreement’s objective to limit global warming to below 2°C. The company has also committed to reducing net emissions from its value chain (Scope 3) by 15% by 2035.

Conclusion

Vale and Wabtec are collaborating to test ethanol in locomotives on the Vitória-Minas Railway, aiming to reduce emissions and advance Vale’s decarbonization goals.

Company Summary

Vale: A company that has a goal to reduce direct and indirect emissions by 33% by 2030, contributing to its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Wabtec: A company that signed an agreement with Vale to test the use of ethanol in locomotives.

Vitória-Minas Railway: A major freight and passenger railway in Brazil. The 905 km corridor connects the city of Vitória, on the Atlantic coast, to Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais.

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