Two new hybrid trains have joined the internal rail network at British nuclear site Sellafield, the government has announced.

The trains replace older and less environmentally friendly engines.

The move is part of Sellafield’s plan to replace its solely diesel locomotives with smaller all electric 40-tonne versions, making its rail operations 100 per cent electrically powered in 2022.

The new CBD80 tonne locomotives, supplied by Clayton Equipment, are capable of being operated fully by electric and have the cleanest available diesel engines as back-up.

“It’s been on the cards for a long time to replace some of the existing locos,” said Mark McSherry, Sellafield site railways team. “Our existing fleet has done a great job keeping site operations going but they run on diesel, have high emissions, and aren’t environmentally friendly.”

McSherry added: “These new locos are hybrid; they have the cleanest diesel engines available and are able to run completely on electric with on board battery charging.”

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