Electrification rate ‘behind schedule’

RIA says railway electrification is running at less than half the rate needed to decarbonise by 2050

DATA published by the Office of Rail and Road shows that in 2020/21, 179 track-kilometres were electrified, which is less than half the 448 trackkilometres required each year to meet Network Rail’s target of a Net Zero railway by 2050, according to the Railway Industry Association (RIA).

RIA technical director David Clarke said Network Rail’s Decarbonisation Strategy identified a need to deliver 13,000 kilometres of electrification by 2050, but there are currently no major schemes in the pipeline. He added the industry is losing expertise whilst schemes are stalled, making it more difficult when new projects are started. “We need to get a programme of electrification work underway today, so we can decarbonise the network, bring greater benefits to passengers and freight users, and support the UK economy as we look to ‘build back better’,” said Mr Clarke.