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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number ENA_10027315
Title Rail Decarbonisation Planning
Status Completed
Energy Categories Energy Efficiency(Transport) 40%;
Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas) 30%;
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Other infrastructure and systems R&D) 30%;
Research Types Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Project Contact
No email address given
Northern Gas Network (NGN) North East
Award Type Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source Ofgem
Start Date 01 March 2022
End Date 01 May 2022
Duration 2 months
Total Grant Value £124,994
Industrial Sectors Energy
Region North East
Programme
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Project Contact , Northern Gas Network (NGN) North East (99.998%)
  Other Investigator Project Contact , Eastern Power Networks plc (0.001%)
Project Contact , South Eastern Power Networks plc (0.001%)
  Industrial Collaborator Project Contact , UK Power Networks (0.000%)
Web Site https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/ENA_10027315
Objectives
Abstract This project will develop both an overarching implementation strategy and a methodology to enable the ongoing deployment of the most effective, efficient, and appropriate technological solutions to decarbonise rail transport. Our approach will lead to a shared implementation plan that will enable electricity and gas networks to factor in rail decarbonisation when they are planning their own infrastructure investments.TDNS: Through the production of the TDNS, Network Rail already has a strong starting point. However, a key weakness of the current TDNS is that it does not consider the capacity or role of existing and emerging electricity and gas network infrastructure to deliver rail decarbonisation. Our project will address this. Our analysis will lead to a TDNS implementation strategy and methodology to support decision making on rail decarbonisation options. Our methodology will consider current constraints in the hydrogen/electricity systems and identify the steps needed to overcome these. Rail Operator Use: Ultimately, our methodology will allow rail operators to identify the parameters, criteria, and recommendations for decarbonisation of specific parts of the rail network. This would identify whether electrification, hydrogen or a combination of both, is the most effective way to deliver decarbonisation of different parts of the rail infrastructure. Energy System Use: Our implementation plan will identify how the rail decarbonisation can better integrate as part of a wider energy systems approach. For instance, informing the location of future hydrogen filling facilities in locations that intersect between rail transportation and road haulage or enabling energy balancing services through hybrid systems Project Partners and Supporters: Our project consists of partners from a range of sectors, along with expert consulting organisations. This creates a strong consortium which will help operationalise the plan through using it within their decision-making processes.Impact: This innovation is essential for the successful decarbonisation of the rail sector. The project will support the decision making of rail infrastructure owners and operators and electricity and gas networks. Ultimately it will benefit both consumers of rail services and energy services by enabling reliable, low carbon transport for all. Beta Phase: If progressed to the Beta phase, our intention is to pool investments from within the rail sector to demonstrate the technology along a selected line, potentially building a hybrid electric/hydrogen demonstration facility/project. 
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 14/10/22