According to Boston Consulting Group, in Europe, rail is projected to account for an 18% increase in freight transportation and account for 16% of all passenger trips by 2030. In the United States, about one-third of freight ton-miles are already transported by rail. This proportion is likely to increase as the rail network is utilised more extensively.
Addressing rail's carbon challenge
While rail is generally more sustainable than road or air travel, many trains still rely heavily on diesel engines, contributing to the use of fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency found that in 2022, 53% of the energy consumed by the global rail industry was generated by diesel, highlighting the urgent need for cleaner alternatives. Efforts to decarbonize railways are already underway, with various emerging technologies being developed and implemented.
However, as electrified systems expand globally, they face challenges related to affordability and practicality. Although necessary to advance to a low carbon world, building new infrastructure is a time-consuming and challenging process. Most national rail networks are already operating at or beyond capacity, and recent electrification flagship railway projects have faced significant hurdles. Upgrade and construction activities can temporarily reduce network capacity, exacerbating existing demand problems.
Energy efficiency: a practical pathway to decarbonization
Progress on electrification varies substantially across the world – while great strides have been made for example in India, where around 94% of lines were electrified as of the beginning of 2024 - others lag behind due to a complex range of local and geopolitical constraints. While long-term solutions are crucial, the rail industry requires immediate, short-term, accessible, and affordable solutions to address these challenges.
One of these solutions is improving energy efficiency. Energy efficiency was brought centre stage at COP28 in 2023, where governments worldwide committed to doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. Efficiency has been referred to as the "first fuel" of economic growth and environmental sustainability, providing the fastest and most cost-effective means to reduce emissions.
Traction batteries: transforming rail performance
In the rail industry, a key to energy efficiency is optimizing vehicle performance. This involves refining various aspects of train operation and design to maximize energy use while minimizing waste. Traction batteries for electric and hybrid trains, play a vital role in this optimization. These batteries are specifically designed for high-power output and deep-cycle use. They offer high energy density, allowing them to store significant amounts of energy in a compact form, which translates into longer operational ranges without adding excessive weight.
The benefits of energy efficiency are not solely centred around reduced energy demands. For instance, traction batteries designed for optimal vehicle performance can lead to reduced maintenance needs and less downtime as well, lowering the total cost of ownership, a key factor in the assessment of the viability of energy efficiency solutions by industry and companies.
Research and development on traction batteries is continuing fast. One notable innovation is the development of advanced traction batteries capable of powering both electrified and non-electrified rail tracks. This is particularly significant for countries striving to achieve net zero emissions targets, as it offers a practical solution for transitioning transportation infrastructure. These batteries provide longevity with some models demonstrating over 20,000 charge cycles, and feature rapid charging capabilities that allow for an 80% charge in just 10 minutes. This generation of traction batteries also showcases remarkable advancements in energy density, resulting in products that are more compact and lightweight while maintaining high levels of safety and durability.
As research continues, the trajectory of traction battery technology points towards even greater efficiencies and capabilities, playing a crucial role in the global transition towards helping industries become leaner and cleaner.