CN seeks to use more renewable fuels, forge more partnerships to reduce emissions

By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor 

CN is in the midst of a plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next five years. By 2030, the Class I is targeting a 43% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity based on 2019 levels. 

Over a much longer period, the railroad’s goal is more ambitious: to attain net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.  

CN is focusing on a number of things to reach those short- and long-term objectives, such as renewing the locomotive fleet with more efficient units, deploying innovative technologies and advanced data to optimize fuel management, promoting best practices for conserving fuel and increasing the usage of renewable fuels. 

Regarding the latter, renewable fuels last year represented nearly 10% of all the fuel consumed by CN’s locomotives across its North American network — the first time the alternative fuels accounted for such a high percentage of annual fuel usage. 

Ranging from biodiesel to renewable diesel, renewable fuels are produced from a variety of sources that have low or no carbon levels, including vegetable oils (canola and soybean), used cooking oil and animal byproducts. In addition to reducing GHG emissions, the fuels help improve air quality, especially in and around yards. 

In 2024, CN consumed about 400 million gallons of fuel. So, the record annual share of renewable fuel is an important step in reducing emissions while maintaining reliable service, CN officials say. 

Renewable fuels are produced from various sources that have low or no carbon levels, including vegetable oils, used cooking oil and animal byproducts. CN

Going forward, the railroad plans to increase its use of renewable fuels, although the fuels’ annual share of overall consumption might not necessarily increase notably. 

“While progress might not necessarily be linear year over year, the increased usage of biodiesel and renewable diesel between now and 2030 is a key strategic enabler for meeting our 2030 [emission-reduction] target,” said CN spokesperson Ashley Michnowski in an email. 

Certain jurisdictions where CN operates — in accordance with Canadian federal clean fuel regulations, and other renewable and low-carbon fuel standards — will continue to present an opportunity for the railroad to use renewable fuels to further reduce emissions, she said. 

That means the railroad will need to keep sourcing renewable diesel and biodiesel at scale, and continue to develop strong supplier relationships and partnerships to boost renewable fuel usage. CN is working with fuel producers, locomotive manufacturers, other railroads and additional partners to advance renewable fuel initiatives. 

For example, the Class I teamed up with fuel producer Chevron Renewable Energy Group to conduct cold weather trials of biodiesel and renewable diesel, which is critical for scaling usage across CN’s northern operations. Tests of high-level renewable fuel blends were performed in Pennsylvania, including in cold weather operations.   

In addition, locomotive builders Progress Rail and Wabtec helped test and validate the use of renewable fuel blends. As part of the exercise, CN worked with Wabtec in joint testing with Union Pacific Railroad, said Michnowski. 

CN and UP have been conducting industry-wide trials to advance standardization and accelerate the use of renewable fuels, she said. Trials — which began in April 2023 — included stationary testing of two classes of Wabtec locomotives at the Association of American Railroads’ MxV Rail facility in Pueblo, Colorado. 

CN is working with Progress Rail, Wabtec, Union Pacific Railroad and other partners on renewable fuel initiatives. CN

“The goal was to determine the feasibility and efficiency of various renewable fuel blends,” said Michnowski. 

Meanwhile, CN is taking other steps to reduce emissions. Earlier this year, the Class I launched a pilot project with a new medium-horsepower hybrid locomotive to evaluate the potential for further reductions.  

Designed for yard and short-haul service, the 3,200-horsepower hybrid will be tested to determine how battery-assisted propulsion can complement CN’s broader fuel strategy. 

The railroad is advancing the pilot project in conjunction with Knoxville Locomotive Works — another example of how partnerships are crucial to providing lower-carbon transportation services, CN officials say. 

“An ecosystem of collaboration is a key focus, and we are actively engaging with industry players,” said CN Senior Director of Sustainability Francois Belanger in an article posted on the Class I’s website. “It underscores our commitment to being part of the solution and offering carbon-efficient transportation solutions to our customers.”