The industry is already facing year on year increases in its energy costs. Aspirations to increase rail capacity by running more and longer trains could result in further increases in both emissions and energy costs.

The industry faces some strategic energy-related challenges. There is considerable concern about the longterm availability of diesel fuel and, in its absence, suitable alternatives such as sustainable biofuels. However, electrifying significantly more of the rail network may not be viable unless electrification costs can be reduced.

However, if technology allows such cost reduction, and creates the economic conditions to electrify most of the network, rail will be in a better position than other modes to play a major role in reducing transport’s carbon footprint, particularly if there is progress with green generation sources. Carbon output is determined not only by the level of energy consumption, but also by factors outside the direct control of the industry, such as GB electricity generating policy (and mix of sources). TSAG is not concerning itself with UK energy policy, as this is generally a matter where government is in the lead.

Evidence has emerged from carbon footprinting research for TSAG that there are significant carbon emissions associated with non-traction activities, notably operating stations and depots and maintaining/renewing infrastructure. Wider industry work by RSSB for the Sustainable Rail Programme is exploring how such infrastructure can be made more carbon efficient, both at
the design stage and in operations.

In key areas of technological developments affecting energy use, the GB rail industry is a relatively small player and is more likely to use or adapt technology as it becomes available rather than to lead or influence development. This applies, for instance, to engine developments and alternative fuels. Therefore TSAG is not sponsoring active research in these areas; rather, we are monitoring developments to spot any opportunities they may provide for rail industry application.

Progress and early insights

The development of a long-term energy strategy for the railway, based on having the information to make the right choices and the development of innovative technical solutions, is the principal target of the work already in hand. The 4Cs challenges of halving the railway’s costs and halving its carbon footprint can only be achieved if there is a strong contribution from energy efficiency. Additionally there is the opportunity to optimise power demand; this reduces energy consumption and related provision of infrastructure. These are being addressed initially through a series of TSAG supported feasibility studies investigating energy technology relating to infrastructure, trains and operations. These studies are being augmented by the active monitoring of energy technologies being developed elsewhere, such as alternative fuels and energy storage.

Infrastructure

Near-term work has focused on using technology to reduce the cost of conventional electrification, for instance by addressing the technical challenges of introducing discontinuous electrification, which would allow difficult locations (eg small tunnels) to remain unwired. This would permit lower cost electrification schemes, particularly where the business case for the extension of a conventional electrified network would otherwise be weak.