While the rail industry only accounts for about four per cent of transport emissions, the transition away from diesel fuels to support net zero emissions will require significant focus as we move towards 2050. 

Regional passenger, freight and heavy haul services typically operate on non-electrified parts of the rail network that are reliant on diesel-powered traction. These operations will need to draw on new technologies such as low carbon liquid fuels, battery and hydrogen to power their transition to net zero.   

The pathway to adopting these technologies in Australia is not yet clear, and urgent action is needed to develop a national strategy for decarbonising the nation’s rollingstock. The ARA’s Critical Path to Decarbonising Australia’s Rail Rollingstock outlines the pathway to new technologies. 

There is an urgent need for national action 

About half of the nation’s diesel-powered rail rollingstock are due to be replaced in the next eight to 13 years, representing a key procurement window for low and zero emissions. There is an urgent need to develop a national strategy for rollingstock decarbonisation to support this transition. 

The path to new technologies will require a phased approach 

The transition to net zero operations will require a range of approaches over time, as new technologies develop. Measures including increasing the energy efficiency of existing operations, and using low carbon liquid fuels for existing rollingstock, will be part of the solution for early emissions reductions. Later, battery electric technologies and alternative fuels such as hydrogen will become part of the solution. 

The ARA is engaging with governments on the need for a national strategy to plan for future energy and infrastructure needs as part of this transition.