The U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant worth $600,000 to the Asociación Mexicana de Ferrocarriles (AMF) to speed the adoption of green power technologies throughout Mexico’s freight trains. The technical assistance project will assess opportunities to replace, rebuild or retrofit freight locomotives to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Specifically, the project will highlight the latest innovations in diesel locomotives, including hybrid power locomotives and generator set locomotives with advanced control systems. The project will also assess the use of advanced auxiliary power units, emissions control systems and idle reduction technologies.
This project builds on recent USTDA efforts to foster bilateral partnerships in transportation. Last May, at ConnectMEX: U.S.-Mexico Transport and Telecom Conference in Mexico City, USTDA signed a grant agreement with AMF to support its efforts to modernize its fleet of specialized freight railcars.
“USTDA is pleased to partner again with Mexico’s national railroad association to support freight rail modernization efforts, this time focusing on cleaner and more efficient locomotives,” said USTDA Regional Director Nathan Younge.
The opportunity to conduct the USTDA-funded technical assistance will be competed through Federal Business Opportunities.
