Ireland’s first trial of biomass coal as a substitute for mined coal has been deemed a success at the Stradbally Woodland Railway.

Initial behind-closed-doors trials took place on the 17th and 18th September 2022 using a fuel called Harvest Flame.

During these trials, the bio-coal was used instead of ordinary coal, and since they were a success, on Saturday 24th September, the first bio-coal powered public train ran.

The coal replacement proved reliable, with Andrew Barclay No.2 ‘Róisín’ performing well once the crews had adapted to the new operating technique.

The railway is well suited to testing the new fuel, with its step gradients and heavy loads. The new fuel was also tested in the Mann steam tractor, which was also a success.

Harvest Flame is made from compressed olive stones

10 tonnes of the bio-coal is planned to be used at the Irish Steam Preservation Society’s National Steam Rally during the 2023 August Bank Holiday.

Nicola Glynn, secretary of the Irish Steam Preservation Society said: “We were excited to try this new form of fuel. Our railway and traction engine rally is in a beautiful part of Ireland, and doing our bit to help decarbonise the economy is important to us. Plus, our crews enjoyed not ending the day covered with coal dust, as this is a remarkably clean fuel.”

Thomas Fogarty, steam locomotive supervisor at the SWR said: “The biocoal performed well in our loco. Only small adjustments were needed to our crews’ normal driving and firing styles to maintain working steam pressure, most notably allowing more air at the fire grate to help the material burn more easily. It was a noticeably cleaner burning and virtually odourless fuel with little ash left to clean at the end of a busy running day.”

Peter Layden, Director of Arigna Fuels said: “Arigna Fuels are delighted to support the heritage steam industry, replacing the original fossil coal with Harvest Flame, our new biomass-sourced 100% renewable and sustainable fuel.  Not only will this fuel help to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the heritage sector, but it will also allow people to continue to enjoy first-hand the magnificent and historic engineering, a legacy of a different era.”

Stephen McCormack of IrBEA said: “IrBEA and its members continue to develop and promote sustainable forms of bioenergy. IrBEA is excited to be supporting this novel and innovative application of a fully sustainable biofuel in such an iconic use. The small steam engines of Ireland have played a very significant role in the development of energy production, industry and agriculture in our Island and it is important to keep this heritage alive whilst showing that a move to a bioenergy based, non-fossil fuel future is achievable. A new product for an old process, with much potential.”