UK rail freight operator, Freightliner, has announced that the UK Government will provide financial support in a project to create a Rail Freight Energy and Emissions Calculator (REEC), a tool which once completed will calculate the most efficient way to operate freight trains.
Recently winning the First of a Kind (FOAK) competition, REEC has huge potential for rail freight haulage. REEC will become a planning tool that considers a variety of variables to calculate the most energy and emission friendly train to operate freight trains with.
Data and information provided by NR+ platform, developed by the University of Hull, the calculations will include:
- Loading gauge
- Permitted weight
- Electrification constraints
- Route gradients
- Line speed date
- Type of engine – pulling capacity, speeds etc
REEC will greatly support current efforts and make rail freight haulage more efficient and environmentally friendly, key objects for the UK Government.
This includes ensuring current diesel trains are used effectively, such as utilising the engine’s full pulling capacity.
Freightliner UK Rail Managing Director Tim Shakerley said: “Freightliner is excited to be a key partner in this pioneering rail-freight project with University of Hull, Aether, Carrickarory and University of Derby,”
“There are significant economic and environmental benefits generated by rail freight, and the development of the Rail Freight Energy and Emissions Calculator can support an increased modal shift from road to rail, ensuring that rail freight is well positioned to deliver even greater economic benefits and the decarbonisation of the UK economy.”
Director of the Logistics Institute, Amar Ramudhin said: “Building on our innovative NR+ platform, our energy and emissions calculator will provide much more precise emissions data. This will allow DfT and Network Rail to align their investment on rail electrification to areas with higher emissions and lead to opportunities to plan routes that are lower in carbon emissions, contribution to the UK’s commitment to providing a more reliable, efficient, and greener railway, as well as the University of Hull’s commitment to accelerating a net zero future”.
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Responses
Why not electrify that line to Leeds so that Class 331, Class 333, Class 802, Class 801 and other electric and bi-mode trains can operate using overhead wires. And to cut down on the pollution.