Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  November 1, 2023

US Steel Converts to Battery-Powered Locomotives

United States Steel Corporation announced it had converted two of its diesel switcher locomotives at the Mon Valley Works’ Edgar Thomson and Clairton Plants to battery-operated locomotives. 

The locomotives were built by Innovative Rail Technologies (IRT), a provider of customized lithium-ion propulsion solutions to the locomotive rail market. 

The company invested over $2.3 million in the locomotives while the remaining cost was offset through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The locomotives, which travel within the facilities carrying steel, coke, scrap metal, iron ore, and other materials necessary for production, are expected to reduce airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions by .385 tons.

“Mon Valley Works is the first industrial site to deploy this technology to reduce small particulate matter emissions from its locomotive fleet,” said Scott Buckiso, Senior Vice President and Chief Manufacturing Officer, U. S. Steel, in a statement. “Advancing our Best for All® strategy means producing solutions that benefit our customers and communities, people and planet. This includes investing in technological advancements at our facilities.”

The switch to battery-powered locomotives will reduce the amount of diesel fuel consumed at the facilities by 40,000 gallons annually and reduce airborne particulate matter, which is helping the company achieve its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

U.S. Steel partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to utilize the agency’s Driving PA Forward - Marine and Rail Freight Movers Grant Program to offset the cost of the new battery-operated locomotives. 

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