Industry keen to explore new technologies, but faces a big challenge

Phasing out diesel-only trains by 2040 will be a big challenge, according to David Clarke, Technical Director at the Railway Industry Association (RIA).

He said that while RIA welcomed Rail Minister Jo Johnson’s announcement: “Currently 29% of the fleet on the UK’s rail network is diesel. To replace these, we will need to install overhead power lines for electrification or use on-board energy storage from technology such as batteries or hydrogen fuel cells - or a combination of both. This is therefore a big challenge for the industry, but one which I think it can and will look forward to meeting.”

Gary Cooper, Director of Planning Engineering and Operations at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Decarbonising the railway will require the adoption of new technologies like hydrogen and battery-powered trains, both of which the industry is looking at carefully, and the electrification of more lines. The industry will work closely with government to explore what needs to be done to realise its vision.”

RSSB Chief Executive Mark Phillips said: “We are working with Alstom to pilot a hydrogenpowered train in late 2019 or early 2020. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to realise the vision of a cleaner, more efficient and more sustainable railway.”

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Engineering at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMECHE), said: “Phasing out diesel-only trains is an important step. But achieving the transition to a low-carbon transport network will require the introduction of a mix of different technologies and policies.

“The Government has outlined plans to phase out diesel trains by 2040, and over the course of the next 20 years we may see the introduction of hybrid trains using diesel and battery technologies as well as hydrogen trains on lines where electrification is costprohibitive.

“In the interim it may be appropriate to retrofit technology, such as stop-start functionality on existing diesel locomotives, reducing emissions while trains are standing at platforms.”

A spokesman for rolling stock company (ROSCO) Porterbrook told RAIL: “Porterbrook welcomes Jo Johnson’s call for the railway to provide a vision on how to decarbonise rolling stock. Porterbrook is already actively engaged with its customers, the railway supply chain and other sectors to identify alternative power sources for trains operating on non-electrified routes.”

Another senior ROSCO source confirmed the company was talking to freight operators about the plans.

Hitachi Rail Europe is building the bi-mode Intercity Express Trains. Spokesman Adam Love told RAIL: “Hitachi’s trains, including the new Intercity fleets, are modular in design and can be modified to accommodate the needs of operators or include new technology.

“We’re a leader in new train technology in the UK, having introduced the first hybrid trains capable of switching between electric and diesel power last year. Hitachi is completely behind the need to green our economy and will continue to work with government and the wider rail industry to deliver a more environmentally friendly future.”

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash was critical, saying: “If you were serious about cracking on with the phasing out of diesel trains, you wouldn’t be scrapping key electrification projects which will mean the commissioning of a more diesel-operated fleet.

“That scrapping of long-planned electrification rail works by Chris Grayling makes a mockery of Jo Johnson’s ‘aspiration’ to scrap diesel units by 2040.”