4
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the Department for Transport publishes a long-term strategy for decarbonising the rail...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Transport publishes a long-term strategy for decarbonising the rail network as a matter of priority. This should include a vision for what proportion of the future network will use electrification, battery and hydrogen. That strategy should be supported by appropriate costings, a credible delivery plan, and enabling targets and milestones. These targets and milestones should clarify how the 2040 and 2050 targets will fit together.
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating they are developing a Traction Decarbonisation Plan (TDP) and Rail Environment Policy (REP) document to set a long-term strategic direction, with a comprehensive environment plan to be published by 2022. They note the Network Rail-led Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy (TDNS) provides a vision for the technological mix.
Paragraph Reference
29
Government Response
Accepted in Part
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government partially agrees with this recommendation. The Department is developing a TDP and a Rail Environment Policy (REP) document. Taken together, these will set the Government’s long-term strategic direction for decarbonising the railway between now and 2050 and our intended carbon reduction pathway. A comprehensive environment plan for the rail network will be published by 2022 and will form a key part of the 30-year strategy for the railway. Through the Network Rail-led Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy (TDNS), Network Rail and industry have developed a vision for what the technological mix of trains operating on the railway could look like in 2050, based on today’s technology. While TDNS offers one such technological vision, further bottom-up analysis and discussion will be required for each part of the network as those technologies continue to evolve to ensure that we implement the most appropriate decarbonisation solution on each part of the network, including looking closely at affordability and value for money.
Source
Committee
Transport Committee
Inquiry
Trains fit for the future?
Report
Sixth Report - Trains fit for the future?
23 Mar 2021
HC 876
Addressee Bodies
Department for Transport
Timeline
Recommendation age
5.4 yrs
Report published
23 Mar 2021