Bespoke freight model shows low-carbon locomotives are viable
In July 2019, the UK government made into law a commitment for the UK to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Significant reductions in emissions are needed within transport to help achieve this.
A modal shift from freight transported by road to rail would have a significant environmental benefit as rail freight is estimated to result in 76% less carbon generation. However, rail freight itself also needs to decarbonise through the introduction low-carbon traction locomotives.
This project aims to support the wider DECARB programme in assessing the feasibility of such a transition.
A bespoke freight model was developed to determine the tractive effort and energy requirements for freight corridors, to improve understanding of the performance demands that low-carbon freight locomotives will require to meet operational requirements.
Five representative routes were selected, which encapsulate several key features of the GB’s freight network. The performance, energy demand, and emissions were calculated along each route using a bespoke agent-based model for six case study scenarios. These were selected to allow comparison of the impact from increasing freight loads and speeds of Class 66 hauled trains.
The results indicate significant industry benefits in terms of energy demand and carbon reduction by transitioning to longer trains with greater axle loads. Significant carbon reductions are also achievable through a transition to electrified freight.
The model developed can be used to generate quantitative results to answer further questions about the emissions and energy demand of nominal freight trains along the routes assessed in the project. This will support operators in making investment toward the goal of decarbonising rail freight.