Australia needs national rail decarbonisation strategy

A report commissioned by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) says that Australia must urgently develop a national strategy to decarbonise rail or risk missing a critical opportunity to phase out diesel traction and meet net-zero targets.

Produced by engineering consultancy GHD, The Critical Path to Decarbonise Australia’s Rail Rolling Stock – Transitioning the rail industry and its supply chain says that around half of Australia’s diesel-powered rolling stock is due to be replaced between 2030 and 2050.

While passenger services in metropolitan areas are generally electrified, diesel trains continue to operate regional services. Diesel locomotives remain the dominant motive power for freight in Australia.

Rail is not anticipated to transition to net zero at the same pace as other sectors of the Australian economy, principally due to the technical immaturity of alternatives to diesel.

The rail sector also faces the particular challenges of long asset lifecycles and differences in gauge, operating conditions and regulations between Australia’s states. These must be overcome to deliver a major reduction in emissions, the report says.

It also warns that efficient and timely decarbonisation will be largely dependent on supply chain capability and the availability of both workforce and skills.

The report says that achieving early emissions reductions and deep decarbonisation in the longer term will require a variety of measures, including improved energy efficiency and productivity in the near term.

Transitional solutions include biofuels, renewable diesel and the use of bi-mode locomotives. In the longer term, decarbonisation with require alternative propulsion solutions such as electrification and hydrogen.

“We require a shared, well-planned strategy to successfully shift to lower emission intensity transport modes and low and zero-emission technologies,” says ARA CEO, Ms Caroline Wilkie.

“It is critical that industry and government take practical and specific measures towards decarbonisation to drive the economy and deliver benefits to the wider community.”

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