The first battery-powered locomotive manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Dalian Co. Ltd was launched in Thailand on January 11 to aid the country’s efforts to improve its railway service while cutting carbon emissions, reported Xinhua on January 12.

The locomotive was jointly developed by CRRC Dalian and Thailand's Energy Absolute Public Company Limited (EA), said the Xinhua report.

The battery-powered locomotive was developed for passenger and general freight based on Thailand's original locomotive platform. The six-axle locomotive can haul 2,500-ton freight trains at 70 km per hour or 1,000-ton passenger trains at 100 km per hour, according to CRRC Dalian.

Testing of the locomotive was conducted successfully by the State Railway of Thailand at the Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok.

Speaking at the testing ceremony, Thai Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said that Thailand is encouraging the use of renewable energy as part of the efforts to achieve Thailand's commitment to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 20 to 25 percent by 2030.

Amorn Sapthaweekul, EA's deputy chief executive officer, said the battery-powered locomotive made in China, with world-leading technology, meets the needs of Thailand in terms of production costs and the requirements of the Thai government for energy conservation and emission reduction.