Grease: the trains in Groningen and Friesland run on frying oil
Frying oil turns out to be incredibly versatile. We can not only fry chips, frikandels and croquettes in it, but also run trains on it. Say what?! Yes, it’s really true: since this week, Arriva trains in Groningen and Friesland have been running on frying oil. And we think that’s downright grease-tastic.
The Frisian and Groningen trains, 68 in total, have been filled up with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This is a vegetable oil that comes (among other things) from used frying oil. Much more sustainable than diesel, the fuel the trains used to run on. That’s because this vegetable oil produces no less than 90% less CO2 emissions.
On the right track
Whether the plan to run trains on HVO will go smoothly remains to be seen. In any case, expectations are hopeful. Arriva has already been testing extensively over the past two years, and the results were good. HVO turns out to work the same way as diesel in every respect, but is much more sustainable. How great is that! Want to know whether you’re on an HVO train when you’re in the far north? Check whether there’s an HVO sticker on the train. Then you’ll know you’re on the right track.
Green plans for the future of trains
This isn’t the first time such train experiments have been carried out in Friesland and Groningen. The aim is to make public transport increasingly sustainable. For example, there is a plan to run four hydrogen-powered trains in 2027 on the Delfzijl-Groningen-Veendam route. Experiments with battery trains are also currently underway. Trains that run on batteries, in other words. With such promising green plans for the future, we can only look ahead with hope.
Our favorite fried treats
Of course, there’s only one way to celebrate so much good news: by turning on the deep fryer. Fortunately, we have plenty of frying fantastic recipes for that. Because chips, frikandels and croquettes never get boring, but honestly: we know those by now. So how about deep-fried mozzarella balls with spicy dip? A true TikTok hit that doesn’t seem to be losing popularity. Also fantastic: deep-fried ravioli with Parmesan cheese. Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll never want to cook your pasta any other way again. And we also have your new favorite snack: deep-fried guacamole with tortilla chips. Switch your brain to 0, your fryer to 180 and start frying!
Read also:
- Brilliant: train passenger deep-fries food on the train using a portable Airfryer
- Cleaning your deep fryer: how to do it easily and quickly
- For the late late-night snackers: this bedside table has room for a built-in deep fryer
Source: NOS, Duurzaam Actueel
