Valleys could see battery-powered trains instead of electrification

THE UK Government is refusing to guarantee it will give Wales a promised £125m contribution for electrifying the Valley Lines if alternative technology is chosen.

A Welsh Government transport official has confirmed that it is looking at cheaper alternatives to electrification which could involve trains.

Battery trains have been trialled in parts of the UK as replacements for expensive, heavy diesel trains.

Called an Independently Powered Electric Multiple-Unit (IPEMU), the trains are powered by lithium iron magnesium phosphate batteries battery-powered

However, there are concerns that the UK Government might not provide the £125m it promised in 2015 for electrification if an alternative technology is chosen.

The costs and timescales of railway electrification have risen dramatically since 2014 when David Cameron made the pledge.

This has led to the Welsh Government using “competitive dialogue” to take soundings from European and Asian rail experts on alternatives for the Valley Lines – potentially including new technology such as battery rolling stock.

Last week a UK Government civil servant said the Department for Transport (DfT) had not yet decided if the £125m “would still be available” if an alternative to electrification were chosen.

The Welsh Government said it should not be penalised for exploiting technological developments.

The £125m is a large part of the £750m budget for the South East Wales Metro programme.

A National Assembly for Wales committee is scrutinising the procurement of the next Wales and Borders franchise.

It took evidence from Stuart White, a deputy director at the DfT whose team leads on the transfer of rail franchising functions to the Welsh Government.

The funding uncertainty comes at a late stage in the preparations for the franchise, which starts in October 2018.

At the end of this month, the shortlisted bidders are due to receive a draft franchise specification so that they can submit outline bids.