Renfe HVO Trial On Costa Verde Express Opens New Chapter For Sustainable Tourist Rail Travel In Spain

Written By: Samadrita Mukherjee

Samadrita Mukherjee

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August 13, 2026 10:41 AM

Renfe has successfully conducted a first trial utilizing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) renewable fuel on their luxury Costa Verde Express tourist train in Spain in the latest bid to reduce the carbon footprint from non-electrified rail transportation. The trial was conducted in collaboration with Repsol Energy and sought to establish whether alternative fuels would provide a sustainable solution to tourism transportation without having to change infrastructure drastically.

The trial is significant to tourists as luxury tourist trains usually ply scenic routes where full electrification may not be possible. This trial conducted by Renfe seeks to ensure that heritage railways do not have to suffer the loss of traditional rail journeys to reduce carbon footprints.The Costa Verde Express is renowned for taking tourists through the landscapes of northern Spain.

Why This Matters For Travellers

Rail travel is already considered one of the more sustainable forms of transport, but many tourist and regional railway services still rely on diesel-powered trains, especially on routes without electrification.

The HVO trial demonstrates how railway operators are looking for practical solutions that can reduce environmental impact while maintaining unique travel experiences.

How The HVO Trial Could Benefit Future Train Journeys

• Lower-emission travel option: HVO is a renewable fuel designed to reduce the lifecycle carbon impact compared with traditional fossil diesel.
• Supports non-electrified routes: The technology could help tourist trains operate more sustainably where electric infrastructure is unavailable.
• Protects scenic rail experiences: Travellers may continue enjoying heritage and luxury train journeys while operators improve environmental performance.
• Encourages sustainable tourism: Cleaner transport solutions support growing demand for responsible travel.

The project reflects a wider shift in tourism, where travellers increasingly consider environmental impact when choosing how they explore destinations.

What Has Changed With The Renfe HVO Trial Costa Verde Express Project

The collaboration between Renfe and Repsol focused on testing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, a renewable fuel that can be used as an alternative to conventional diesel in suitable railway applications.

The Costa Verde Express was selected because it represents a premium tourist rail experience travelling through some of northern Spain’s most attractive regions.

Key Details Of The Sustainable Rail Test

• Train involved: Costa Verde Express tourist service.
• Rail operator: Renfe.
• Technology tested: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) renewable fuel.
• Partner involved: Energy company Repsol.
• Main objective: Explore cleaner alternatives for passenger rail operations.

The trial provides valuable information about how renewable fuels could contribute to the future of tourist rail services.

Why The Costa Verde Express Is Important For Spanish Tourism

The Costa Verde Express is one of Spain’s luxury tourist trains, offering travellers a slower and more immersive way to explore the country’s northern regions.

The journey highlights the landscapes, heritage and gastronomy of Spain’s “Green Spain” region, including coastal areas, historic towns and natural scenery.

What Makes The Costa Verde Express A Unique Travel Experience

• Luxury accommodation: Guests travel in premium suites designed for comfort during the journey.
• Northern Spain exploration: The route showcases destinations across regions including Asturias, Cantabria and Galicia.
• Cultural discovery: Passengers experience local history, cuisine and traditions.
• Scenic landscapes: The journey connects travellers with mountains, coastlines and countryside views.

For travellers, the attraction of the Costa Verde Express is not only transportation but the complete destination experience.

How Renewable Fuels Could Transform Tourist Rail Travel

Many famous tourist railway routes operate in areas where electrification is difficult because of geography, cost or infrastructure limitations.

Renewable fuels such as HVO could provide another pathway for reducing emissions while keeping these journeys available.

Future Opportunities For Sustainable Rail Tourism

• Cleaner heritage experiences: Historic and scenic routes can become more environmentally responsible.
• Flexible railway solutions: Operators can reduce emissions without immediately rebuilding entire networks.
• Stronger destination appeal: Sustainable transport can improve the image of tourism regions.
• Support for green travel demand: More travellers are choosing experiences that align with environmental values.

The Renfe and Repsol trial highlights how innovation can support the future of tourism transportation.

Why This Matters For Spain’s Tourism Industry

Spain has become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, attracting visitors through cultural cities, coastal areas and unique travel experiences.

As sustainability becomes increasingly important in global tourism, transport operators are under pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining visitor experiences.

How Sustainable Rail Supports Tourism Growth

• Improves responsible travel options: Visitors gain more environmentally conscious ways to explore Spain.
• Strengthens regional tourism: Scenic rail routes bring visitors to smaller destinations.
• Protects long-term attractions: Lower-impact transport supports conservation goals.
• Enhances Spain’s green tourism image: Sustainable mobility can strengthen destination competitiveness.

The HVO trial positions tourist rail as part of Spain’s broader move toward more sustainable travel.

What Travellers Should Know Before Booking

The HVO project is currently a trial and does not immediately change how passengers book or experience the Costa Verde Express.

Travellers interested in the luxury tourist train should continue checking Renfe’s official information for future schedules and sustainability updates.

Before Booking

• Service status: The Costa Verde Express continues operating as a tourist rail experience.
• Fuel technology: HVO use was tested as part of a sustainability trial.
• Route planning: Travellers should check official Renfe schedules before booking.
• Travel experience: The service focuses on luxury accommodation, scenery and cultural exploration.
• Future developments: Further renewable fuel adoption will depend on trial results and operational decisions.

The project represents a future-focused sustainability initiative rather than an immediate change to passenger services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HVO fuel?

HVO, or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is a renewable fuel alternative designed to reduce lifecycle emissions compared with traditional fossil diesel.

Which train was used in Renfe’s HVO trial?

The trial was carried out on Renfe’s Costa Verde Express tourist service.

Who worked with Renfe on the project?

Renfe collaborated with energy company Repsol for the HVO fuel trial.

Does the trial change Costa Verde Express bookings?

No. The trial is focused on testing renewable fuel technology and does not immediately change passenger bookings.

Why is sustainable fuel important for tourist trains?

Renewable fuels can help reduce emissions on scenic routes where railway electrification may be difficult.

Closing Update

The HVO trial by Renfe on the Costa Verde Express Train is a different approach towards sustainable tourism train travel in Spain. Through the use of renewable fuel technology on the iconic train journey, Renfe and Repsol are attempting to determine ways of continuing the journey through changes in environmental considerations. To tourists, this indicates the way tourism will look like in the future.