Rail freight can go electric, CILT(UK) research finds

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Nearly all UK rail freight operations could be electrified by the mid-2040s, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT(UK)) has revealed.

Corby-based CILT has released a detailed map and strategy which demonstrates and details the opportunity in the UK to electrify 95 per cent of rail freight. Currently, 10 per cent of British freight trains are hauled by electric locomotives.

According to the research, 800 miles of additional electrification is needed in Britain to enable 95 per cent of rail freight to be hauled electrically. The initial 60 miles of infill electrification is estimated to cost around £50m per annum over two years.

Furthermore, CILT suggests an electrification programme of 40 route miles per annum for 20 years, at a cost of £100m per annum, is required to deliver this opportunity for the UK to meet its decarbonation and net-zero goals.

While decarbonising technology for other modes of transport is still emerging, electrified rail transport is a fully mature, proven green technology which has been in use for over 60 years.

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low carbon rail freight