Network Rail Consulting’s Post

As decarbonization efforts continue across the rail industry, determining the best path forward is a complex endeavor, driven by many variables. In an interview with MIT Technology Review, our Rail and Transit Vehicle Technology Lead Marcin Taraszkiewicz, P.E. discusses the challenges facing decarbonization in the rail industry. https://lnkd.in/g6EGB2sd #FreightRail #Decarbonization

I am looking forward to speaking at Achieving Rail Decarbonisation 2023 on 20th September. I will be participating in the “Panel discussion: If not electrification, what? Where is the industry with realistic alternative traction technologies?” #RAILDECARB23

Elevating Rail in Europe - A long term vision for the development of long haul rail!   #rail is considered the silver bullet to achieve the goals of the #europeangreendeal. Remember: -70% CO2 emissions in Transportation by 2050. 👉🏻 But reality is that rail is far away from being the silver bullet. For a simple reason: there is not and will not be enough capacity in the European rail system to fit the additional volumes despite the modernisation and digitalisation measures. Building new lines or completely new systems will take ages considering the cumbersome planning approval processes in most countries. And there should be better use for the limited land reserves in Europe.   ➡ Faster acceleration, much higher, harmonised average train speeds on existing #railinfrastructure are the key to enhance substantially capacity. But therefore, rail needs to reinvent itself migrating from a 100+ years old technology to modern and efficient #levitation technology.   ➡ Nevomo and other companies are exploring ways on how to literally elevate existing rail infrastructure to new performance levels with #maglev technology. A stepwise deployment, e.g., starting with linear motor propulsion will secure medium term effects and cost control. Current infrastructure will not be substituted, and the asset value built with taxpayers’ money will be leveraged for the future. Still many open questions, but I think it is worth for the #railwayindustry and #infrastructure operators as well as institutions to investigate this! My colleagues Nicole Tews, Linda Meiser, Nick Schlomka and I have written a, hopefully, interesting point of view on a groundbreaking technology.   Here is the link to our point of view “Elevating Rail in Europe”: https://owy.mn/47ACctd

Caltrans has expanded its commitment to clean transportation in California with a $127 million deal with Stadler Rail, Inc. for six additional zero-emission, hydrogen-powered passenger trains, increasing the total to 10. This investment, supported by Governor Newsom's $10 billion zero-emission vehicle package, advances California as a leader in sustainable transit. With fuel cells provided by our founding member Ballard Power Systems, these trains are set to debut in 2027, and will operate on the future Valley Rail service, connecting communities with efficient, climate-resilient transportation. This marks a significant step towards decarbonizing the state's rail system. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dd-Q8wze #ushydrogenalliance #hydrogen #cleanhydrogen #hydrogennow #hydrogeneconomy #hydrogenhubs #fuelcell #zeroemission #energy #cleanenergy #decarbonization #sustainability 

Few rail lines in the US are electrified. Hydrogen-electric rail technology may be a zero-emission alternative to diesel powered trains. Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler and the state of California recently agreed to a $127 million deal that will lead to the construction of six additional zero-emission, hydrogen-powered passenger trains. According to Caltrans these train sets are "more efficient, lighter weight and more affordable than traditional locomotive-hauled coaches." And unlike conventional locomotives that rely on dirty energy sources, hydrogen-powered trains minimize the pollution of planet-warming gases because they produce just water and heat as byproducts. https://lnkd.in/ekkfeDD8

VIA Rail is at a historic inflection point. The time to act is now. That’s why we are introducing VIAction 2030, our new five-year strategic plan: the blueprint of VIA Rail's next chapter which will allow us to seize the momentum and launch transformative change to move all of us, all the way. Because for a better way, it takes a train. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/et5E2v_F #VIARail #VIAction2030

Last month, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced a US$127 million agreement to purchase six additional hydrogen-powered passenger trains from Stadler Rail, Inc., which brings them up to a total of 10 for the state. “These clean-energy trains are the future. " - Tony Tavares, Caltrans Director (14 February 2024) There is a strong business case for hydrogen-powered locomotion in the context of zero-emission rail. Change Energy has produced several technoeconomic assessments of hydrogen-fueled railway service, including a conceptual "What If?" simulation of transitioning all of Canada’s railway propulsion power to hydrogen to achieve sector-wide decarbonization. You can find that report here: https://lnkd.in/dpxUbqHd. #hydrogen #rail #decarbonization #climateaction

🛠💡 As part of our ongoing exclusive coverage, RAILTARGET delves into the third and fourth pillars of the CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies) manifesto, "On Track for Europe." These sections of the manifesto highlight critical strategies aimed at transforming the European rail sector through #digitalinnovation and a revamped competition policy, aligning closely with the EU's broader climate and #sustainability goals. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/enQB6AyP

California 🇺🇸 continues to roll on the #hydrogen rails to decarbonize the state's public transportation network. 🛤️ The California Department of Transportation Caltrans has ordered six new hydrogen-powered passenger trains from Stadler Rail, building off an earlier order of four H2-powered intercity trains last year. Based on Stadler’s Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train (FLIRT) concept, the trains are expected to offer a maximum speed of 79 mph (127km/h), with seats for 108 passengers. 🚅 👉 This choice shows that California is “serious about deploying innovative and sustainable transportation options," says the state’s Transport Secretary. https://lnkd.in/eu_3rPx7

Caltrans has inked an $80 million contract with Stadler Rail, Inc. to produce North America's first zero-emission, hydrogen-powered intercity passenger trains, bolstering California's reputation in clean transportation. Drawing from Stadler’s FLIRT concept and funded by Governor Newsom's $10 billion zero-emission vehicle package, these trains aim to showcase emerging clean tech while broadening California's eco-friendly rail network. The agreement secures an initial four trainsets, with an option for 25 more. Initially, they'll operate between Merced and Sacramento, connecting with high-speed rail service, but they'll also be tested on various state routes. This move is part of California's recent $1 billion investment in zero-emission transport. Source: https://dot.ca.gov/