Cemex USA has unveiled a low-emission locomotive at its Victorville cement plant in California which is expected to reduce emissions by 34 tonnes per year.
The locomotive, developed by Knoxville Locomotive Works and equipped with an MTU-4000 Series engine, is estimated to reduce emissions by more than 80% and fuel consumption by 25%.
Cemex says the locomotive will be used to transport clinker and can provide more than 3,200 horsepower from an ultra-low emitting single engine designed to meet US Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board Tier 4 Emissions requirements.
Carlos Uruchurtu, Cemex USA vice president cement manufacturing—West Region, says: "Throughout our history at Victorville, we have made great strides in reducing our environmental footprint with increased reliance on renewable resources, and this new locomotive furthers our efforts to reduce CO2 emissions."
The plant also has four wind turbines that offset thousands of tonnes of emissions each year while fulfilling approximately 6% of the operations energy needs, the company adds.
Dr. Hugo Bolio, Cemex USA executive vice president of cement operations and technology, says: "Cemex continuously evaluates our operations and technologies to further our commitment to sustainability as we strive to be a good neighbour in our communities. The commitment extends across all our operations, and our Victorville Cement Plant is an example of what can be done when businesses and communities work together."
A portion of the cost of the new locomotive was covered by a federal grant secured with the assistance of the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District.
