The energy and fuel crisis is currently hitting Europe hard. In the rail freight sector, increased electricity prices gave space even to rumours that companies would stop using electric locomotives. How does this situation affect the industry, and is it something to really worry about? The topic attracts different opinions as the situation alters according ...
(Permalink) Electricity Costs Electrification Railfreight

Freightliner has confirmed that it will be withdrawing its entire fleet of electric locomotives in response to soaring electricity prices. [Temporarily. See Rail Freight Group press release below. -RS]
(Permalink) COP26 Electricity Costs Electrifcation Rail Freight Rail Freight Group

Rail freight is acknowledged as a low carbon transport mode, emitting 76% less carbon dioxide than road freight even with use of diesel locomotives. Rail freight operators are committed to further decarbonisation, and measures to increase sustainability. However, the current significant increase in the wholesale cost of electricity for haulage means that some operators have had to take the regrettable decision to temporarily move back to diesel locomotives. A 200% increase in electricity costs for each train cannot be absorbed by the operators, or customers, and so necessary action is being taken to ensure that trains can continue to operate delivering vital goods across the country.
(Permalink) COP26 Electricity Costs Electrifcation Rail Freight Rail Freight Group

RMT warns that electricity price hike threatens to destroy rail freight and jack up dirty diesel use.
(Permalink) Electricity costs Green RMT Rail freight