Vale and Wabtec Sign Agreement to Test Ethanol Use in Locomotives on the Vitória-Minas Railway

• Goal is to study the use of ethanol in engines as an alternative to diesel
• Tests will be conducted through 2027 in Vitória-Minas Railway fleet
• Partnership advances the decarbonization of the company’s rail operations

Vale and locomotive manufacturer Wabtec Corporation [NYSE: WAB] have announced a partnership to study a dual-fuel engine capable of running on both diesel and a diesel-ethanol blend. The studies will initially be conducted in laboratories to validate the concept and evaluate performance, emissions reduction, and ethanol/diesel substitution rate. The tests are expected to run through 2027 to assess future application in the Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM) fleet.

The agreement to use ethanol, a renewable fuel that replaces fossil diesel consumption, is part of a series of joint initiatives with Wabtec to advance Vale’s rail decarbonization program. In January, the companies announced an agreement to purchase 50 locomotives equipped with Evolution Series engines capable of operating with up to a 25-percent biodiesel blend. In the coming years, Vale and Wabtec will conduct a series of tests aiming to further increase this percentage.

“Innovative initiatives like these, aimed at adopting alternative fuels in our locomotives, are part of Vale’s commitment to accelerating the decarbonization of our rail network,” said Carlos Medeiros, Vice President of Operations of Vale. “In 2024, Vale’s rail network accounted for 14% of the company’s carbon emissions”.

“For the first time, Wabtec will use ethanol as an energy source in a locomotive, a milestone in the global rail industry. We are committed to developing technological solutions that accelerate the transition to more efficient and sustainable transportation,” said Danilo Miyasato, President and Regional Leader of Wabtec LATAM.

Net Zero
In 2020, Vale announced its goal to reduce direct and indirect emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 33% by 2030. This is another step toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement’s ambition to limit global warming to below 2°C by the end of the century. The company also committed to reducing net emissions from its value chain (Scope 3) by 15% by 2035.

About Vale
Vale is a global mining company that exists to improve life and transform the future together. One of the world’s largest producers of iron ore and nickel, and a significant copper producer, Vale is headquartered in Brazil and operates globally. Its operations include integrated logistics systems, with approximately 2,000 kilometers of railways, maritime terminals, and 10 ports around the world. Vale aims to be recognized by society as a benchmark in safety, the best and most reliable operator, a talent-driven organization, a leader in sustainable mining, and a reference in value creation and sharing.

About Wabtec
Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) is revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations. The company is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries, as well as the mining, marine and industrial markets. Wabtec has been a leader in the rail industry for over 155 years and has a vision to achieve a sustainable rail system in the U.S. and worldwide. Visit Wabtec’s website at www.wabteccorp.com.