Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee

Recommendation 16

16 Not Addressed Paragraph: 127

Freight transport and high-speed rail are the most significant decarbonisation challenges in the rail sector.

Recommendation
Freight transport and high-speed rail are the most significant decarbonisation challenges in the rail sector. To meet its objective to phase out all diesel-powered trains by 2040, the Government must increase the current pace of electrification set out in Network Rail’s traction decarbonisation plan. The lifespan of rolling stock alone means that any rail projects currently being developed that are not wholly electrified—such as East West Rail—place in doubt the achievability of the 2040 target.
Government Response Summary
The government thanks the Committee for their ongoing scrutiny and recommendations but does not address the specific recommendation about increasing the pace of electrification.
Paragraph Reference: 127
Government Response Not Addressed
HM Government Not Addressed
Fuelling the future: motive power and connectivity 15 Concluding remark The Government thanks the Committee for their ongoing scrutiny and recommendations. The Government looks forward to continuing efforts across departments and working with industry and sector stakeholders to research, develop and implement zero emission technologies to deliver on Government’s commitment to achieve net zero in the transport sector by 2050.