photo: Network Rail/DB Cargo’s Class 66 ‘I am a Climate Hero’ locomotive
Trains running on coconut oil? It’s not just an experiment—it’s happening. From Pacific islands testing biofuels in diesel engines to Europe’s hybrid trains powered by vegetable oil, the push for greener rail is accelerating. But can plant-based fuels truly replace diesel on a global scale?
The global push toward decarbonizing transport has led to the exploration of alternative fuels, and one of the most unexpected contenders is coconut oil. Across the Pacific, innovators are experimenting with coconut oil as a cleaner, renewable alternative to diesel, with applications ranging from ships and vehicles to power generators. Meanwhile, in Europe and the U.S., hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is already powering hybrid trains, proving shift toward low-emission rail travel. But could coconut oil one day fuel the world’s trains? And how do plant-based biofuels fit into the future of railway sustainability?
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Coconut Oil: A Renewable Diesel Alternative in the Pacific
The idea of using coconut oil as a fuel has deep historical roots. As ABC News and AFP report, Rudolf Diesel originally designed his engine to run on peanut oil, proving that plant-based fuels were a viable option over a century ago. However, it is only in recent years that coconut oil has gained traction as a modern substitute for fossil fuels. In the Marshall Islands, companies like Pacific International have successfully tested pure coconut oil in ships, generators, and heavy machinery. According to CEO Jerry Kramer, some of his trucks have run on coconut oil for over five years without issue. While some modern diesel engines struggle with pure coconut oil, a 50-50 blend with diesel has proven to be an effective compromise.
Yet, despite its potential, economic challenges remain. Coconut oil’s price has fluctuated due to growing global demand for biofuels. As reported by ABC News, coconut oil once traded at USD 550 per tonne but has since surged to nearly USD 1,190 per tonne, making it more profitable for Pacific nations to export the oil rather than use it locally. "The Pacific island countries could get into a situation where they cannot afford to use the oil themselves and would profit more by sending their oil to other countries," warns Jan Cloin, an energy adviser at the Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC).
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Vegetable Oil Trains: Europe's Hybrid Innovation
While coconut oil remains a regional experiment, vegetable oil-based fuels are already transforming rail transport in Europe. One of the most significant developments comes from the Netherlands, where railway operator Arriva partnered with Stadler to create the world’s first hybrid diesel train powered by HVO back in 2017. According to RailwayPro, the Flirtino train is a hybrid model that runs on HVO but can later be converted to a fully battery-electric train, allowing operators to reduce emissions immediately while preparing for full electrification.
One of the key advantages of HVO is that it can be used as a "drop-in" fuel, meaning it requires no major modifications to diesel engines. According to Water Revolution Foundation, compared to traditional diesel, HVO reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% and cuts air particulates by 85%, which makes it an attractive option for railways looking for a cost-effective path to zero emissions, particularly on partially electrified lines.
The UK's Push for HVO-Powered Passenger Trains
The Netherlands is not the only country embracing vegetable oil biofuels. In July 2023, Chiltern Railways became the first UK operator to run passenger trains on HVO instead of diesel, according to ianVisits. Chiltern’s Class 68 locomotives are now powered by fuel derived from used cooking oils, tallows, and other recyclable wastes. Unlike traditional diesel, HVO burns cleanly, contains few impurities, and significantly reduces harmful emissions.
Although HVO is currently more expensive than conventional diesel, Chiltern Railways considers it a necessary step in its long-term sustainability strategy. Consequently, the move raises an important question: Could coconut oil also be introduced in railway applications, following the same model as HVO?
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Grand Canyon Railway: A Historic Shift to Alternative Fuels
Even historic steam locomotives are embracing biofuels. According to Xanterra Travel Collection, the Grand Canyon Railway in Arizona now operates its steam trains using recycled waste vegetable oil (WVO). The railway collects fat from restaurant fryers across the region and treats it for use in steam engines. The result? Each round-trip journey on WVO-powered steam locomotives prevents 25,000 pounds of CO₂ emissions compared to traditional ultra-low sulfur diesel. But the sustainability efforts don’t stop there. The Grand Canyon Railway has implemented solar water heating, energy-efficient LED lighting, and green-certified furnishings.
Is Coconut Oil the Future of Rail?
While HVO has already gained traction in railway transport, coconut oil remains a largely untapped alternative. However, the success of coconut oil in Pacific diesel engines and ships suggests that, with further investment and research, it could play a future role in railway decarbonization. The biggest challenges are economic and logistical. The cost of coconut oil remains volatile, and widespread adoption would require new infrastructure and supply chains. Additionally, coconut oil starts to solidify below 25°C, making it unsuitable for colder climates without additional processing.
That said, the principle of using plant-based oils in rail transport is already well established. Whether through coconut oil, HVO, or other biofuels, the rail industry is clearly moving toward cleaner, more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
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Source: ABC News; AFP; RailwayPRO; ianVisists; Xanterra Travel Collection