The ARA released a report on Monday on the decarbonisation of rollingstock, The Critical Path to Decarbonise Australia’s Rail Rollingstock – Transitioning the rail industry and its supply chain at an event in Sydney.
The ARA commissioned GHD to develop the critical path, which details priority actions for industry and government to support the availability, uptake and implementation of low and zero emission technologies to address traction emissions related to diesel-powered locomotives.
The launch event included an overview of the key findings and recommendations of the report and featured a panel discussion with industry members on decarbonisation actions already underway, as well as actions needed in the near to medium term to ensure the sustainable future of rollingstock.
The report was informed by desktop analysis, collaboration with the ARA Rollingstock Decarbonisation and Heavy Haul Decarbonisation Working Groups and engagement with key government and industry stakeholders.
Given about half of Australia’s diesel-powered rollingstock is due to be replaced in the next eight to 13 years, action taken now will have a significant impact on the ability of the rail industry to successfully transition to a decarbonised fleet.
The ARA is focused on advocating for a national strategy for rollingstock decarbonisation to be considered as part of the Federal Government’s Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap.
We will work with members and government to provide greater certainty on renewable energy planning and access to low carbon liquid fuels and alternatives such as hydrogen.
In regard to supply chain capability – identifying skills gaps and supply chain planning to support the industry’s journey to net zero – the ARA is supporting an Infrastructure Net Zero project to forecast decarbonisation skills.
We look forward to continuing to work with industry and government on implementing these recommendations.
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