Olive fuel

In the south of France, an old steam locomotive for tourists has been launched, which runs on biofuels based on olive seeds. This technology has finally found a use. For decades, the train Des Pignes à Vapeur has left behind a plume of dark gray smoke from its coal-fired engines. As the end of the 2022 tourist season approaches, the cultural association operating the train has announced that its 44.5‑ton locomotive is now powered by biofuels derived from olives. The mass of ground bones is formed into cylindrical logs and burned.

One ton of coal can be replaced with 700 kilograms of olive fuel. This solution not only reduces the cost of operating the train, it is also more environmentally friendly. They decided implement this change both in order to become more environmentally friendly and because it was becoming increasingly difficult to find coal.

"Since ancient times, our factories in Provence have used olive oil to heat rooms," said Guy Mauzi, train engineer. "However, this fuel is supplied in powder, while larger pellets are required for the train." This is the know-how.

A study conducted in Spain in 2021 also demonstrated the significant potential of fuel derived from olive seeds, as it is 70-100% cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel. In addition, its emissions are also relatively low, with fewer impurities than other biofuels, since olive seeds contain less moisture by the end of the grinding process.