PASSENGER ROLLING STOCK - FROM DIESEL TO NET ZERO.

This paper considers Australia's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and the contribution of the rail industry, and in particular diesel passenger rolling stock, to achieving the targets. In reviewing alternate fuel technologies that could be implemented to reduce emissions, it proposes key parameters that should be considered when evaluating options to lower or replace diesel propulsion with zero emission alternatives. Since 2018 Mott MacDonald has been involved with the zero-emission multiple unit ('ZEMU') due to enter service in San Bernadino County, California in 2024. Lessons learnt from this experience are applicable to the Australian rail industry, including the factors that influenced the selection of alternate fuel technologies for that application. This paper discusses these lessons covering the importance of a well-established project objective to allow comparative assessment, consideration of industry acceptance of alternate technologies and cost implications. Infrastructure impacts, existing fleet conditions, maturity of technology, operations and maintenance impacts including range, and safety are also all explored as part of this review. The paper draws on the above lessons to propose a way forward for the Australian rail industry to consider potential options to lower emissions with the goal of progressing to zero emissions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]