University of Queensland researchers have worked with industry to map how Australia could move towards decarbonising its heavy haulage rail network.
University of Queensland researchers have worked with industry to map how Australia could move towards decarbonising its heavy haulage rail network.
Dr Ruth Knibbe and Professor Paul Meehan from UQ’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering collaborated with rail freight operator Aurizon to analyse rail corridors across Australia, and found batteries - or a combination of batteries and hydrogen fuel cells - could feasibly replace diesel power on those routes.
Dr Knibbe said there was real opportunity for Australia to decarbonise heavy rail in the coming decade.
“Rail transport accounted for about 3 per cent of global carbon emissions in 2020, so decarbonising railways will play a major part in Australia’s transition to renewables,” Dr Knibbe said.
Read more at: University of Queensland
A heavy haulage train travels through regional Australia. (Photo Credit: Aurizon)
