High Chaparral launches pilot project: Ambition to run fossil-free steam locomotives by 2023

In connection with Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson's visit to the Wild West park High Chaparral on Tuesday, the Småland theme park told about the company's ongoing pilot project with the ambition to run steam locomotives fossil-free as early as summer 2023.

For many of High Chaparral's guests, a trip on a steam locomotive is a must-do during their visit to the theme park. Each year, 130,000 guests are transported through the park by steam locomotives powered by a total of 40 tons of coal.

The idea of creating a more environmentally friendly alternative has been around for the past few years, and with coal becoming increasingly scarce, at quadruple the price, the idea of powering the locomotives with a more environmentally friendly alternative was raised over the summer.

High Chaparral recently started a pilot project where the company is now testing steam locomotives that run on briquettes made from pressed wood chips, a by-product of timber production, instead of coal.

A project that so far looks very promising, and with the same authentic experience.

- We are very pleased with the results so far and have every reason to believe that we will reach the goal of running fossil-free next year. During the first tests, the steam locomotive has been chugging around the park with the same speed and strength as with coal, and the next big test will be with wagons filled with guests. The project is truly an example of how green transition can be both better for the environment and better for the bank account," says Mathias Bergendahl, CEO.

Film on steam locomotives powered by wood shavings