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Krollen work continuously on sustainable biofuel

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Date

28 May 2018

Expertise

Sustainability

Strukton Rail has entered into a multi-year cooperation agreement with GoodFuels, supplier of sustainable biofuels, and Hans de Baat Olieprodukten BV, distributor, to reduce the CO₂ emissions of its mobile cranes by replacing fossil diesel with sustainable biofuels.

 

With this initiative, Strukton Rail becomes the first organisation in the railway sector to take this step. The transition delivers an immediate reduction in CO₂ emissions and improves air quality at worksites, benefiting both the environment and employees.

The fuel GoodFuels50 is being introduced. The switch to GoodFuels100 will take effect from 1 January 2019. This fossil-free fuel is the most sustainable, ensures a CO2 reduction of 90% and a significantly better air quality compared to fossil diesel. The positive effect on air quality is strongest in older engines.

 

The Impact

Based on annuel fuel consumption:

  • The use of GoodFuels during the remainder of 2018 will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 160 tonnes
  • in 2019, the reduction will increase to 635 tonnes of CO2
“We hope that this step will spread like a sustainable ‘oil slick’ within the railway sector, but certainly beyond. There are still plenty of other applications to consider
Harold Verbruggen, Manager Business Unit Equipment.”

All parties see this cooperation agreement as a good first step.

“We are extremely proud that Strukton Rail is the first market party to make a serious contribution to the sustainability of the rail sector where fossil diesel is still used. The transition is good for Strukton, for sustainable biofuels and for achieving the climate target” Doryan Daamen, Sales Director GoodFuels

GoodFuels versus (bio)diesel


GoodFuels sustainable biofuels must not be confused with the old biofuel. On the one hand because the sustainability of biodiesel often leaves much to be desired, because of the possible effect on deforestation or the impact on the food chain. On the other hand, because biodiesel is of low quality and can only be used to a limited extent in engines. In addition to sustainability, the quality of the fuel is interesting because this means that it can be used directly in diesel engines without modifications. Furthermore, the fuel is odourless and can withstand cold weather conditions.

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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

What does sustainability mean in the rail and civil infrastructure sector?

Sustainability in rail and civil engineering focuses on reducing environmental impact across the entire lifecycle of infrastructure. This includes using emission‑free equipment, circular and recycled materials, and designing assets with a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements. Reusing structural components—such as circular viaduct beams or recycled copper contact wires for overhead lines—significantly reduces CO₂ emissions while conserving valuable raw materials.

How can CO₂ emissions be reduced in infrastructure projects?

CO₂‑reduction is achieved through a combination of clean construction methods and material innovation. Key strategies include:

  • Deploying zero‑emission machinery such as electric cranes, electric rail‑road vehicles (Krols), electric vans and battery‑powered locomotives.
  • Integrating circular concrete, geopolymer concrete, and recycled materials to lower embodied carbon.
  • Collaborating across the supply chain — from client to contractor to materials supplier — to scale circular and low‑carbon solutions.

These measures not only reduce carbon emissions but help create more resilient, future‑proof infrastructure.

Which sustainable innovations are being used in modern rail and civil engineering projects?

Infrastructure projects increasingly rely on advanced sustainable technologies, such as:

  • 100% recycled copper contact wire, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 92%.
  • Geopolymer concrete, offering 50–80% CO₂ savings compared to traditional mixes.
  • Electric and battery‑powered locomotives for maintenance and logistics.
  • Circular overhead‑line foundations and poles made from low‑impact concrete.
  • The Energy Bank, an innovative click‑and‑go substation that captures and reuses regenerative braking energy.
  • Circular viaduct and bridge concepts, enabling reuse instead of demolition.

These innovations drive measurable environmental benefits throughout the asset lifecycle.

What is zero‑emission equipment in infrastructure construction?

Zero‑emission equipment refers to machinery that operates without producing exhaust gases, typically powered by electricity or batteries. Examples include:

  • Electric locomotives and battery locomotives
  • Electric cranes and rail‑road (Krol) vehicles
  • Electric vans and support vehicles

This equipment eliminates local emissions, improves air quality around work sites, reduces noise pollution and helps clients comply with increasingly strict sustainability requirements.

What does the future of sustainability in infrastructure look like?

By 2050, the infrastructure sector aims to be fully climate‑neutral. This future includes:

  • A robust, climate‑resilient infrastructure network designed for extreme weather.
  • A fully emission‑free construction fleet.
  • Circular material chains where components are reused at scale.
  • Rail as a leading sustainable mobility system, supported by smart energy management and low‑carbon construction methods.
  • Infrastructure that integrates nature, supports biodiversity and ensures safe mobility for everyone.

The transition is already underway, driven by innovation, collaboration and long‑term thinking.

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