Britain’s steam trains could soon be powered by POO to prevent pollution

THE nation’s steam trains could soon be powered by human poo — to prevent pollution.

Scientists have worked out how to turn human, and food, waste into synthetic coal to replace fossil fuels on locos.

The “biocoal” is produced by ­pressurising sewage under water at 250°C before condensing it into solid lumps.

The smokeless alternative was successfully tested on a line in West Yorks and may be adopted by the Heritage Railways Association (HRA).

It is trying to make the sector carbon neutral to go green and combat supply problems linked to the war in Ukraine, a big exporter.

Some 26,000 tons a year are imported to power vintage trains at over 150 lines.

HRA chief executive Steve Oates said its biocoal test was a “significant milestone in the history of steam locomotives in the UK”.

Train fireman Noel ­Hartley said shovelling the biocoal involved a completely different technique. He said: “You’ve got to make sure you get it really hot to start with.”

Biocoal maker CPL Industries said its smokeless fuel would meet the needs of steam engine users.