Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Paragraph: 87
Although the rail industry requires a long-term strategy for decarbonising the rail network, it is...
Conclusion
Although the rail industry requires a long-term strategy for decarbonising the rail network, it is important that the strategy is sufficiently flexible to incorporate alternative technologies, such as hydrogen and battery, and other new technologies that might be developed. When and if it is demonstrated that clean, green and cost- effective alternatives to electrification can deliver the energy required by freight and high-speed passenger services, they should be introduced to decarbonise the rail network.
Paragraph Reference:
87
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government partially agrees with this recommendation. The Department is developing a TDP and a Rail Environment Policy (REP) document. Taken together, these will set the Government’s long-term strategic direction for decarbonising the railway between now and 2050 and our intended carbon reduction pathway. A comprehensive environment plan for the rail network will be published by 2022 and will form a key part of the 30-year strategy for the railway. Through the Network Rail-led Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy (TDNS), Network Rail and industry have developed a vision for what the technological mix of trains operating on the railway could look like in 2050, based on today’s technology. While TDNS offers one such technological vision, further bottom-up analysis and discussion will be required for each part of the network as those technologies continue to evolve to ensure that we implement the most appropriate decarbonisation solution on each part of the network, including looking closely at affordability and value for money.