The Strategy says, “The rail network will be net zero emissions by 2050 through a sustained, long-term program of investment in rail electrification, supported by deployment of battery and hydrogen-powered trains.”
David Clarke, technical director at RIA, said, “The 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 decarbonize rail,” he added.
RIA has also set out six key actions for the UK government in its submission to the Spending Review. Ahead of the publication of the Review on Wednesday October 27, alongside an Autumn Budget, RIA has highlighted the role that the railways can play in driving economic growth and providing clean connectivity right across the UK.
In the submission, RIA highlights the importance of visibility and certainty of funding for upcoming rail projects to enable businesses to build the skills and capability and deliver value for the taxpayer. It sets out the concerns in the supply chain over a hiatus in decision-making due to the pandemic, and as the industry undergoes major changes with the transition to Great British Railways (GBR).
The submission comes amid uncertainty over the status of High Speed 2’s Eastern Leg, which is due to be clarified in the Integrated Rail Plan for the Midlands and North – now delayed by a year
Darren Caplan, chief executive of RIA, commented, “Over the past 18 months, the railways have been vital in transporting goods and essential workers around the country and now we are seeing passenger numbers and freight returning. The railways stand ready to help drive the UK’s recovery, by boosting economic growth, supporting skilled jobs and investment in every region of the country, providing clean transport for millions of people and boosting exports around the world.
“However, our members regularly tell us that uncertainty over upcoming projects and a lack of work pipeline visibility add costs and time to projects. For SMEs, this can even result in them going out of business. That is why we are urging the Government not to delay major decisions and to begin long-term investment plans now – we must not let the experience of the past 18 months affect the investment needed to support railway infrastructure and rolling stock decisions over the next 30 years.”