Rail industry responds to Net Zero Strategy
The Railway Industry Association (RIA), the voice of the UK rail supply community, has responded to the Government’s Net Zero Strategy, published today.
The Strategy says: “The rail network will be net zero emissions by 2050 through a sustained, long-term programme of investment in rail electrification, supported by deployment of battery and hydrogen-powered trains.”
David Clarke, Technical Director at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “Today’s Net Zero Strategy is the second document, alongside the Transport Decarbonisation Plan, confirming the Government’s commitment to further electrification and hydrogen and battery trains.
“Yet, although we welcome these positive plans, action is needed now if we are to reach Net Zero on our railways by 2050. As ORR statistics recently showed, we are electrifying at less than half the rate required to meet the 2050 target, and the UK is still yet to see any significant new electrification projects or major fleet orders of low carbon battery and hydrogen rolling stock. This lack of commitment puts at risk our existing electrification and rolling stock capability, which we know we will need to meet the 2050 target.
“As we approach COP26, now is an opportune moment for the UK to show international leadership and support green jobs and investment by committing to decarbonise rail.”
