Clean Air Strategy calls for investigation of alternative fuels

The rail industry has welcomed the Government’s publication of a

Clean Air Strategy on January 14. The strategy points out that rail contributes just 4% of nitrogen oxide emissions and 1% of particulate emissions nationally. It calls for investigation into alternative fuels such as hydrogen and batteries, and into air quality levels at stations and along routes where diesel trains predominantly run.

Railway Industry Association Technical Director David Clarke said: “We are particularly pleased to see the Government support electrification, ‘where it delivers passenger benefits and value for money’, as a key part of reducing exposure to pollutants.

“At the Railway Industry Association, we have been working with partner organisations from across the industry on our Electrification Cost Challenge, to see how we can deliver cost-effective electrification for intensively used routes.

“Electrification is a vital part of the train-traction mix - alongside emerging technologies such as hydrogen, battery, tri-modes and bi-modes. It will be an essential part of achieving the Government’s goal of removing diesel-only trains from the network by 2040, because it is the most efficient and practical non-diesel solution for high-speed and high-tonnage routes.

“We look forward to working with Government to ensure we further reduce air pollutants from rail transport, for the benefit of all who use and work on our railways.”

Meanwhile, HS2 Ltd is also taking measures to ensure pollution is limited.

Heavy Goods Vehicles involved in the route’s construction will be required to use the cleanest available Euro VI emissions standard diesel engines. In an announcement made on January 14, HS2 also confirmed that off-road machinery such as diggers, cranes and generators must meet EU Stage 3b standards immediately, and Stage 4 by 2020.

In London’s congestion zone, HS2 already demands that contractors comply with the latter stage. This requirement will be raised to Stage 5 in 2020, one level ahead of London’s own emissions standards.

Heathrow Southern Railway, which is seeking to build a new route to Heathrow Airport from Woking, Guildford and Basingstoke, argues that construction of the link could help reduce road traffic, contributing to improved air quality.