Northern rail leaders discuss phase-out of diesel

Northern Rail Industry Leaders (NRIL) says the rail network should play a key role in the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda, with decarbonisation of the network a crucial factor.

In a paper published on December 7, NRIL points out that railways in the region are heavily dependent on diesel traction and that alternatives such as electrification, battery and hydrogen will need to be implemented. It also argues that early deployment of schemes and development of low-cost solutions will be essential.

The paper rules out continued diesel usage, as well as replacing conventional diesel with biofuels or synthetic fuels. The high capital costs of electrification are cited, with a suggestion that in challenging locations discontinuous electrification could be considered. The relatively short range of battery and hydrogen trains is also noted.

It argues that operators must consider the likelihood and timing of electrification, consider whether there is any benefit in modifying existing fleets or services to reduce diesel operation before 2040, determine the optimal diesel replacement technology for each route or group of routes, and determine the order of priority in which routes and services are to be converted from diesel operation.

The paper notes that cost is a “vital factor if the delicate socioeconomic balance that justifies provision of many services is not to be undermined”.

It adds: “It is imperative… that diesel-replacement technologies can evolve quickly to the point whereby new fleets are comparable in both purchase and operating costs to the diesel vehicles they replace.

NRIL co-chairmen Justin Moss and Mike Hulme said: “The North has many rail businesses ready to help support decarbonisation, providing jobs and investment in the process. Developing new technologies could also give the UK a competitive edge which it could use to export even more abroad.”