China develops high-power electric locomotive

CHANGSHA -- China has developed a high-power electric locomotive, marking a major breakthrough in the country's railway technology.

On Wednesday, an electric locomotive with a single-unit power of 28,800 kW and a traction force of 2,280 kN rolled off the production line of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd.

The locomotive was jointly developed by CRRC Zhuzhou and China Energy Investment Corporation. It is composed of six sections and is 106 meters long.

Dubbed "Shen-24", the locomotive has a maximum speed of 120 kph and can pull a 10,000-ton freight train on a 1.2 percent slope.

Merely increasing the number of power units can not achieve ultra-high power and ultra-high traction in locomotives, said Liu Youmei, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, adding that it requires a comprehensive innovation of the system.

The locomotive is not only more powerful but also smarter, safer and more environmental-friendly than previous models, said Wang Wei, a manager with CRRC Zhuzhou.

After delivery, the locomotive will run on Shenmu-Shuozhou Railway in coal-rich provinces of Shaanxi and Shanxi. The railway is one of the main energy-transportation arteries in the country.