RIA launches strategic vision for 2050 rail network

At present, 38 per cent of the GB network across England, Scotland and Wales is electrified. Current government plans will increase this to 51 per cent over the next decade or so. However, the RIA claims that boosting this figure to 65 per cent with selected routes could decarbonise every passenger journey and 95 per cent of freight journeys by 2050.

Central to the RIA’s strategy is the roll out of battery electric trains. These can be used to phase out fossil fuel-powered trains on a wide range of routes right now, improving air quality and service while reducing the carbon intensity of rail services. According to the RIA, around a third of the network does not require electrification and can be decarbonised with new fleets of battery electric trains in the short term, providing a shot in the arm for the UK rail manufacturing sector.  

“Our analysis provides an ‘art of the possible’ strategy for the government and the railway industry,” David Clarke, RIA technical director said in a statement. “Ordering a fleet of battery-electric trains, a strategic and a consistent approach to electrification and quick green wins on less intensively used routes can all help achieve a more efficient and low-carbon railway by 2050. Considering this as a ‘track and train’ strategy allows us to permanently lower the cost of running the railway.”