Abstract Manager

The decarbonization of railways is critical to achieving sustainability goals in freight and passenger transport, particularly in a country as vast as Canada. Rail systems operated by Canadian National (CN), Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), and VIA Rail are pivotal in the nation's logistics and intercity travel, yet they significantly contribute to CO2 emissions. This study examines the energy demands and feasibility of decarbonizing Canadian railways using battery and hydrogen technologies.

The analysis focuses on key routes, including Halifax to Vancouver (6,700 km), Montreal to Vancouver (4,600 km), and the Windsor-Quebec City corridor (1,150 km). Energy modeling was employed to estimate tractive, auxiliary, and regenerative energy requirements, while techno-economic assessments evaluated lithium-ion battery chemistries (LFP, NMC, LTO) and hydrogen fuel cell systems. Mixed-energy platforms, combining batteries and hydrogen, were also investigated. 

Results reveal that LFP batteries are the most cost-effective choice for short to medium routes, offering high cycling stability and lower costs. For long-distance routes, hydrogen-electric tenders (HETs) are more feasible, given their superior energy density and lower payload impact. Mixed platforms provide operational flexibility, reducing lifecycle costs while maintaining route adaptability. Sensitivity analyses indicate that battery and hydrogen prices significantly influence platform viability, with hydrogen costs ranging from $2-$6/kg and battery costs from $200-$800/kWh. 

The findings underscore the need for strategic investments in battery and hydrogen infrastructure to support the transition. This paper concludes that a tailored approach combining batteries and hydrogen is essential for decarbonizing Canadian railways, with mixed platforms emerging as the optimal solution for balancing cost and performance.