Port of Long Beach has been testing battery powered locos for about two years. I don't know how that is going. UP announced a few months ago that it would be buying 20 battery operated switchers for yard operations. That might make more sense than running on a 60 mile commuter line. It does seem to me that hydrogen would be a more efficient emission-free fuel, but what do I know.
In terms of eliminating emissions, I do believe that Illinois generates roughly two-thirds of its power from carbon-free sources, mainly nuclear but some wind and solar, too. A lot more solar coming on line in near-term, also, including a close to 600 megawatt farm getting built in Sangamon Co.
|
|
