From steam to clean: the drive to net zero

Featured story06 June 2024

The UK has a big goal: reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Everyone needs to help. Rail has a key role to play in achieving this goal, and by decarbonising our industry, we can solidify our position as the most sustainable option for long-distance travel.

Cleaning up the railway

Train travel is currently cleaner than road and air travel. Failure to reduce rail’s emissions will become an issue as other industries become cleaner. For instance, trains use over 500 million litres of diesel fuel every year. This needs to change to reach the net zero target.

Through collaboration with industry, we’re at the forefront of developing the required solutions. We research and advise on new ways of doing things that can have a big impact. The Sustainable Rail Executive is building industry-wide collaboration, and we work with the Decarbonisation Working Group to develop solutions and share promising ideas. The Sustainable Rail Blueprint shows what rail’s goals are and the action that’s needed.

We are helping to reduce carbon emissions in several ways, including:

ending reliance on diesel. Trains powered by batteries and hydrogen offer exciting new options. Research on battery trains looks at how to end this reliance.
drop-in fuels. These can replace diesel with a fraction of the carbon emissions. These fuels will also play a role in reaching net zero. We are working with the government to consider supply and demand of these.
recent research looks at emissions from suppliers who make trains and rail infrastructure. The findings offer new approaches to reduce pollution from making, using, or disposing of these materials and goods.
the new Carbon Accounting Framework will track and guide the industry on its way to decarbonising as quickly as possible.

Trains are the backbone for a clean future

The success of rail is vital for the UK's plan for reaching net zero. Transport is responsible for around a quarter of emissions. The more people that switch from cars and planes to trains, the lower emissions will be. The same applies for freight. So we're pushing for better connections between trains and other types of transportation. Better connections with other types of transportation will attract more business to rail.

The future is on track

Making trains completely emission-free by 2050 is a big challenge. It is also a fantastic opportunity to make rail the essential spine of a decarbonised country. By fostering industry collaboration, the Sustainable Rail Executive, alongside RSSB’s sustainability expertise, can seize this opportunity.