Abstract Manager

The drive to minimize carbon emissions in the railway sector has gained momentum worldwide, prompting a transition away from diesel-powered rolling stock toward low- or zero-emission technologies. Australia’s expansive network—including urban commuter lines, regional services, and extensive freight operations—has emerged as a valuable testbed for next-generation solutions, ranging from partial to full electrification, battery-electric propulsion, and hydrogen fuel cells. Recognizing that Canada’s rail network shares similar long-distances and reliance on diesel, this study explores how Australian decarbonization experiences can inform Canadian policy and operational planning.

The primary objective is twofold: first, to survey the key zero-emission (ZE) systems trialed or adopted in Australia, highlighting advantages, infrastructure requirements, and technical hurdles; second, to develop a conceptual model that simulates baseline diesel emissions and compares potential savings under different ZE scenarios. Drawing on published data and real-world demonstrations of battery-electric trains and hydrogen fuel cells, the methodology revolves around calculating annual carbon footprints based on operational distances, fuel or energy consumption rates, and region-specific emission factors for diesel, grid electricity, and hydrogen production. The model outputs quantify the emissions that could be avoided by selective electrification, battery-hydrogen hybrid solutions, or full fleet transitions to renewable-based propulsion.

Findings underscore that robust infrastructure investment, grid decarbonization, and policy-driven incentives play pivotal roles in facilitating the shift to greener rail. Australia’s incremental approach—electrifying high-density corridors and deploying emerging technologies where full electrification is unfeasible—may prove adaptable for Canada’s similarly vast and heterogenous rail landscape. Ultimately, the study concludes that coordinated efforts from government, industry, and energy sectors will be instrumental for achieving net-zero emissions. Such collaboration will likely be the defining factor in transforming both Australian and Canadian rolling stock into sustainable, future-proof rail systems.