CHARLESTON, S.C. — Palmetto Railways will work with Innovative Rail Technologies to convert two of its diesel switchers to battery-electric power, the railroad announced this week.
Palmetto, a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, received a $4.17 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, or CRISI, grant for the project in September [see “Federal Railroad Administration awards more than $1.4 billion …,” Trains News Wire, Sept. 25, 2023]. Palmetto Railways will provide a 35% match.
The railroad says the conversion will reduce diesel fuel use by an estimated 40,000 gallons per locomotive, and will provide cleaner and more energy-efficient service at its existing North Charleston facilities, as well as the Navy Base Intermodal Facility currently under construction with the South Carolina Ports Authority [see “Charleston, S.C., port breaks ground …,” News Wire, Oct. 19, 2022]. The locomotives are expected to be in service within two years.
“As we navigate the transformation of industry, it’s imperative that we look around the corner and anticipate needs while incorporating cutting-edge technology. Once online, these state-of-the-art locomotives will position Palmetto Railways to further support South Carolina’s sustainable future,” South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said in a press release.
Washington, D.C.-based Innovative Rail Technologies is the same company that converted two switchers to battery-electric power for use at U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works in Pennsylvania [see “U.S. Steel introduces battery locomotives …,” News Wire, Nov. 1, 2023]. The company provides lithium-ion power systems for the locomotive market, working through a national network of locomotive remanufacturers or providing kits for in-house rebuilds. More information is available at the company’s website.
