ScotRail has initiated a trial using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a sustainable alternative to diesel fuel in one of its Class 156 trains. The trial, which began on February 19 and will last for 12 weeks, is conducted from the rail operator’s Corkerhill Depot in collaboration with Angel Trains and Crown Oil. The use of HVO, a renewable and biodegradable fuel, is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 16% and enhance air quality by a third compared to traditional diesel. Despite the shift towards greener options like green hydrogen, HVO is seen as a vital step in curbing the environmental impact of Scotland's railways. Poul Wend Hansen, ScotRail's Head of Sustainability, believes that the successful implementation of HVO could lead to a more sustainable future for rail travel, allowing the continued use of existing diesel trains in an eco-friendly manner.