FG test runs retrofitted NRC locomotive on Diesel – LNG at 30:70% ratio

Oru Leonard 

Nigeria has achieved a major milestone in its transportation sector. The Federal Ministry of Transportation in Nigeria, led by Honourable Minister Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has successfully retrofitted a Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) locomotive to run on a diesel-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) blend. This feat, achieved with a 30:70% ratio of diesel to LNG, is a first in Africa and was accomplished by indigenous company De-sadel Nigeria Limited.

The retrofitting exercise was showcased at Idu train station on September 19, 2024, with a test run event between Idu and Kubwa train stations. Senator Alkali, who has been instrumental in driving transportation reforms, highlighted the significance of this achievement in a press interview during the test run.

This breakthrough is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on diesel, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the use of cleaner energy. It’s a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, aligning with Senator Alkali’s vision for the transportation sector as a strong enabler of the economy [3).

Key Benefits of Diesel-LNG Retrofitting:

– Reduced Diesel Consumption: 30% diesel usage compared to traditional locomotives

– FG to save over 60% of diesel cost from train engine retrofitting

– Lower Emissions: LNG is a cleaner-burning fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions
– Increased Efficiency: Retrofitted locomotives can operate more efficiently, reducing costs
– Indigenous Innovation: Achieved by De-sadel Nigeria Limited, promoting local expertise

This success story showcases Nigeria’s potential for innovation and growth in the transportation sector, and we can expect more exciting developments under Senator Alkali’s leadership.

What Senator Akali said;

Alkali stated that the milestone achieved in the conversion of NRC locomotive to run on diesel/LNG will further save the cost of running the commercial trains.
The exercise called “retrofitting” is achieved with a 30 percent ratio of diesel and 70 percent of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) usage.

The Minister further explained that “the locomotives were using 100% diesel.
“By retrofitting, we are going to use LNG 70% and diesel 30%. That is what we mean by retrofitting.
“The idea is by the time you use LNG 70%, the cost of running the locomotives will drastically be reduced.
“I am assuring Nigerians that we are going to enforce that.
“By the time all our locomotives are retrofitted, certainly the cost of transportation must drop drastically.”

Alkali noted that the possibility of the retrofitted locomotive’s running 100 percent because it is a heavy engine.
“Normally, conversion is done with smaller engines like generators and cars. But this locomotives were manufactured on diesel and it is not possible technically to convert them to CNG or LNG 100%.”