Welsh Government will hear case for British steam coal
THE Welsh Government has agreed to meet with the Heritage Railway Association to discuss the worsening coal crisis which is threatening the sector, a major player in the UK tourist economy.
Following an approach from an unnamed Senedd AM (Welsh Parliament assembly member), a cabinet member has agreed to hold a meeting with representatives of the HRA who will be making the case for a ready supply of coal to be made available to steam railways, at least in the short to medium term during which alternative and sustainable fuels which could power historic locomotives are explored and developed.
As reported last issue, the HRA has written to both the UK and Welsh governments to request that at least one mine remains open to provide essential fuel to keep steam services running, both on heritage railways and the main line, at a time when national policies are targeted towards reducing coal consumption as a key measure in the battle against global climate change. A date for the meeting had yet to be set as we closed for press, and no reply had yet been forthcoming.
In a bid to redress the balance of the argument the HRA, which represents more than 170 working heritage lines, is now targeting top government policy and decision makers across the UK to convince them that the future of steam is vital to the nation’s economy and culture.
While local elections have left both regional and national decisions on ice in recent weeks, the end of the pre-vote ‘purdah’ period is expected to see a rapid change of pace.
Heritage Railway Association chief executive Steve Oates said: “Behind the scenes everyone at the HRA has been working with key partners on the challenge of finding a long-term, sustainable solution to the coal problems that are really starting to bite for our heritage railways.
“It’s vital that we help politicians and other key decision makers understand that this could be make or break for heritage rail. We need them to recognise that locomotives such as Flying Scotsman are as much an icon of UK culture as Big Ben.
“We need them to recognise that heritage rail is an essential part of the UK tourism industry and generates around half a billion pounds a year. And we need them to recognise that without a secure source of fuel for our steam locomotives that could all vanish.”
The Advanced Steam Traction Trust has been working with the HRA on analysing data from early trials of alternative fuels such as Ecoal and gathering first-hand experiences from railways where a variety of fuels have been used since the sudden end of steam coal production at the Ffos-y-Fran mine in South Wales. Early indications are that the alternatives could hold potential, but lengthy and costly research and development is likely to be needed before they can provide a viable solution for all heritage rail users.
A dedicated coal working group has been set up by the HRA, led by vice chairman Chris Price of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The group is keeping close tabs on remaining stocks in the UK and working closely with suppliers to ensure the most upto-date information can be provided to HRA members.
In recent weeks, several heritage lines have expressed concern that their coal stocks might not last through the summer.
Glimmer of hope
HRA officials have also been encouraged by soundings from Westminster that serious consideration is being given to permitting a new deep coal mine near Whitehaven in Cumbria to be opened, despite protests from the green lobby.
“Although it might not provide a direct source of fuel for steam locomotives, it is hoped that a changing stance could signal a wider recognition of the need for controlled extraction of UK coal for certain sectors where no viable alternative is currently available,” said a HRA statement.
“Statistics prepared for previous coal mine planning applications have demonstrated that the overall environmental impact for UK-mined coal is far less than for imported coal.
“Heritage rail is a small volume user of the highest quality coal, which produces the least pollution. It has been estimated that just 0.02% of Co2 emissions in the UK are caused by heritage steam (including road and traction engines). Perversely, the environmental impact of heritage steam could be hugely increased – along with the costs – if the only option is to import coal from nations as far afield as Columbia or even Australia.
Steve has also called for a combined voice on coal in the heritage steam world, fearing that disparate messages could lessen the chances of success within the halls of power.
“If we’re going to succeed in securing a long-term fuel for steam locomotives, then we all need to be singing from the same song sheet. We need to provide a solid and consistent case for heritage rail to all UK governments and local or regional authorities.
“We can’t do that by pulling in different directions,” he Steve.
“Coal is an issue that unites railways big and small, standard gauge or narrow gauge, together with the road steam and maritime steam communities. But even the biggest heritage railways are not going to make a difference working alone, the scale of the challenge is just too big. If we work together though, I think there’s a real chance that our voice will be heard because we can make a really strong case as a sector.”