Abatement cost curve analysis of freight rail decarbonization alternatives

This paper investigates decarbonization alternatives for the freight rail industry, considering economic, environmental, and operational aspects. The study compares battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives, drop-in fuels including biofuels and e-fuels, and overhead catenary electrification through abatement cost analyses. Scenario analysis identifies the cost-effectiveness of each of the technologies at different stages of decarbonization in the US Class 1 freight railroad network. The authors show that though battery locomotives offer a lower-cost decarbonization option in the considered scenarios, green hydrogen fuel-powered locomotives become more attractive when battery charging delays are considered. The authors introduce the concept of the technology margin to cater for uncertainties in battery charging operations and hydrogen fuel production for cases where carbon taxes are imposed on railroad operations. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and rail operators, contributing to sustainable freight rail operations.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2024.104341
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1361920924002980
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13619209
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Hernandez, Adrian
  • Ng, Max T M
  • Siddique, Choudhury
  • Durango-Cohen, Pablo L
  • Mahmassani, Hani S
  • Elgowainy, Amgad
  • Wang, Michael
  • Joann, Yan Zhou
• Publication Date: 2024-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 104341
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
  • Volume: 134
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 1361-9209
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13619209

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Costs; Decarbonization; Freight transportation; Railroad transportation
• Subject Areas: Environment; Freight Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01927857
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 22 2024 3:09PM