In an innovative effort that “proves it’s possible to save both money and the environment,” General Electric China has designed a locomotive kit that can greatly improve the energy efficiency associated with freight transport.

The Mainline Evolution Locomotive, first debuted in 2008, has approximately 76% more horsepower than most locomotives currently on China’s railroads, a figure that greatly reduces both the fuel used and emissions produced by current locomotives.

The model, which meets U.S. EPA Tier 2 requirements, has 3,700 units operating in 10 countries around the world — 600 of which are in China.

The locomotive’s design is such that 4,500 units could transport the same amount of freight as 8,000 of the current locomotives in China’s fleet.

According to General Electric’s website, “If the 600 [locomotives ordered in China since 2008] are used to replace approximately 1,000 average existing Chinese mainline locomotives, this can avoid the emission of 26,000 tons of [nitrogen oxide] per year, equivalent to the annual NOx emissions of 1.8 million cars on Chinese roads.”

Pollution and GHG emissions control efforts are critical in China, the world’s leading country in greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations Statistics Division. Initiatives like the Mainline Evolution Locomotive can go a long way towards decreasing the country’s carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable environment.

Operating Benefits summary

GE’s China Mainline Evolution™ Locomotive Kit is designed to achieve approximately 76% greater horsepower than the average existing locomotive in China’s mainline fleet. This means that approximately 4,500 China Mainline Evolution™ Locomotive Kits could haul the same amount of freight as the 8,000 locomotives in China’s current mainline fleet.

Environmental Benefits summary

GE’s China Mainline Evolution™ Locomotive Kit is designed to produce approximately 28% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) per horsepower-hour than the average existing locomotive in China’s mainline fleet. If the 600 orders GE China Mainline Evolution™ Locomotive Kits are used to replace approximately 1,000 average existing Chinese mainline locomotives, this can avoid the emission of 26,000 tons of NOx per year, equivalent to the annual NOx emissions of 1.8 million cars on Chinese roads.