T633: Study on further electrification of Britain's railway network

Topic

Energy

Description

This project will help to inform the development of a long term traction energy strategy for the British railway network, consistent with overall government strategy for sustainability.

Abstract

Electrification has potential long-term environmental sustainability benefits because it links railway usage direct to the primary energy network and potentially reduces dependence on fossil fuels through established and mature technology. Also in the longer term current fuels may become limited in supply and more expensive. Electrification, however, adds to the infrastructure capital cost and changes the balance of complexity between the trains and other infrastructure and depot fixed assets. A previous study by RSSB Feasibility study into the use of hydrogen fuel (project T531) recommended that further consideration be given to the long term economics of further electrification of the main line network. This project provides cost and economic models that Government and the rail industry can use in evaluation of electrification proposals versus traction energy alternatives. Initial demonstration of the models on five sample routes confirms that electrification can potentially be justified where a route has a dense service pattern that is well used, but the high capital cost is difficult to justify elsewhere.