Canadian AI Startup Helps Trains Cut Diesel Fuel and Reduce Emissions
Transportation accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, and while efforts have been made to reduce emissions from air and road travel, the impact of rail transport on climate change has often been overlooked. However, a Canadian startup called RailVision Analytics wants to change that. Based in Montreal, the company has developed AI-enabled software designed to help locomotive engineers make small adjustments in driving techniques, which can lead to significant reductions in diesel fuel consumption. By implementing this technology, both freight and passenger trains could contribute to reducing the approximately 100 million tons of planet-warming gases released into the atmosphere each year.
Compared to other methods of travel, trains are considered one of the most climate-friendly options. According to the International Energy Agency, rail travel emits an average of 22 grams of carbon dioxide per passenger-kilometer globally, which is significantly lower than the 123 grams generated by air travel and 145 grams from car journeys. However, the use of diesel fuel in long-haul trains in the US and Canada remains a challenge. Unlike Europe and Asia, where electrification has made progress in passenger rail service, the expansive nature of North America’s rail network and the relatively low demand for passenger trains make electrification economically unfeasible at present. Additionally, building extensive electric rail networks for freight trains is costly due to the vast distances that need to be covered. While some railway companies have started using lower-emission biofuels as a replacement for diesel, the impact remains limited due to factors such as high costs and limited supplies. This is where AI technology comes into play, offering a potentially more affordable solution for reducing rail’s carbon footprint.
RailVision Analytics collects data from rail operations and utilizes an algorithm to simulate train dynamics, ultimately determining the most fuel-efficient driving patterns. The AI solution, likened to Google Maps, provides locomotive engineers with guidance on when to coast or increase throttle for optimal fuel consumption. Although the technology is still in its early stages, RailVision Analytics has already achieved notable success. Metrolinx, a government agency serving millions of riders in Ontario, utilized the AI solution during a one-year experiment and saved over 1.5 million liters of diesel fuel. Via Rail Canada Inc., the country’s primary intercity passenger train operator, has also adopted the technology.
RailVision charges railway companies a subscription fee for the AI guidance, and the savings in fuel costs are said to offset the investment within a few months. For example, if Via Rail deployed the AI solution across all its trains, the estimated 15% fuel saving would result in an annual reduction of over 20,000 tons of carbon emissions, equating to removing more than 4,000 cars from the road each year.
Despite the potential benefits, there are challenges to overcome. Real-world train operations are more complex than simulations, and locomotive engineers must rely on their memorized instructions due to safety regulations preventing them from accessing the AI app while the train is in motion. Moreover, willingness among engineers to adopt more fuel-efficient driving techniques or fully trust AI assistance remains to be seen.
RailVision’s software has already gained attention from investors. In a seed round, the startup raised $4 million from Trucks Venture Capital and Blackhorn Ventures in 2021. One of the multinational railroad operators, Genesee and Wyoming Inc., has initiated a pilot project with RailVision for its cargo service between Montreal and Quebec City.
While achieving net-zero emissions in rail transport ultimately requires a shift away from fossil fuels, innovative technologies like RailVision’s AI solution are crucial in the meantime. By securing up to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption, the industry can make significant progress toward environmental sustainability. As Francoise Granda Desjardins, a senior advisor of sustainability at Via Rail, emphasized, Technologies like the one from RailVision are really helpful.
In conclusion, RailVision Analytics’ AI software offers a promising solution to reduce diesel fuel consumption and emissions in the rail industry. With its ability to optimize driving techniques and potentially save significant amounts of fuel, this Canadian startup is making a positive impact on the environment. As the technology continues to develop and gain adoption, the rail sector can play a more significant role in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and moving toward a more sustainable future.
