Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted in Part
As stated in our ‘Trains fit for the future?’ report, we recommend that the Department...
Recommendation
As stated in our ‘Trains fit for the future?’ report, we recommend that the Department for Transport publish a long-term strategy for decarbonising the rail network as a matter of priority. This should include a vision for what proportion of the future network will use electrification, battery and hydrogen. That strategy should be supported by appropriate costings, a credible delivery plan, and enabling targets and milestones. These targets and milestones should clarify how the 2040 and 2050 targets will fit together. (Paragraph 128) Conclusion
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, committing to a net zero rail network by 2050 and removing all diesel-only trains by 2040, and will take account of Network Rail’s strategy. Costed options will be considered before a plan is developed, recognising electrification's important role and trialling new technologies.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government partially agrees with the recommendation. In the Transport Decarbonisation Plan, the Government has committed to delivering a net zero rail network by 2050, with sustained carbon reductions in rail along the way. The Government’s ambition is to remove all diesel-only trains (passenger and freight) from the network by 2040. The Department for Transport will take account of Network Rail’s Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy which was used as guidance. However, as the Department revises its approach, the Great British Railways Transition Team will bring forward costed options for Government to carefully consider in terms of overall deliverability and affordability before any plan can be developed. The Government recognises that electrification will play an important role in its programme to achieve its Net Zero 2050 commitment. Since 2010, more than 1,200 miles of electrification has been delivered in Great Britain. There is a pipeline of schemes underway across the country where sustained work is carried out. The Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) outlines the biggest ever single government investment in Britain’s rail network, setting out £96bn investment into the railways of the North and Midlands and includes electrification of the Transpennine Route and the Midland Main Line. The Government has also committed £78 million to electrify the Wigan-Bolton line. Alternative technologies such as hydrogen, battery and bi-modes will also play a part. The Government will deploy the most suitable technology for each rail line considering technology capability and value for money. The Government is supporting the innovation and deployment of new traction technologies on the UK network. Great Western Railway will trial new battery-charging technology on its network which will see the UK’s first battery-only train enter scheduled passenger service on the (two-mile) Greenford Line. Diesel rolling stock will be used for the start of services for Connection Stage 1 of East West Rail (providing services between Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes). Passive provisions will be made for electrification, so construction being progressed will not preclude the use of electrification in the future. This is an interim solution, which will allow the earliest possible start of services between Oxford and Milton Keynes and enable the adoption of alternative traction modes in the future. East West Rail Company is reviewing traction options for the railway including full electrification along the whole route as well as various options for partial electrification, using battery / electric hybrid rolling stock and other sustainable rolling stock options.