UIC, the worldwide railway organisation, participates in the launch of the IEA “Future of Rail” report in New Delhi

Railways could provide much greater benefit to energy and the environment, according to IEA analysis
 
includes a central focus on India, where rail is the dominant mode of transport
(New Delhi, 31 January 2019) Rail is among the most energy efficient modes of transport for freight and passengers, yet is often neglected in public debate, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) prepared in cooperation with the International Union of Railways (UIC).

In 2018, UIC actively contributed to “The Future of Rail” report and was glad to host a successful key workshop to develop that report, in September 2018 in Paris.

The Future of Rail is the latest in the IEA series shining a light on “blind spots” in the energy system, which are issues that deserve more attention from policymakers. It was released today in New Delhi by IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, at an event opened by India’s Minister of Railways, Shri Piyush Goyal.

The transport sector is responsible for almost one-third of final energy demand, nearly two-thirds of oil demand and nearly one-quarter of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fuel combustion. Therefore changes in transportation are fundamental to achieving energy transitions globally. While the rail sector carries 8% of the world’s passengers and 7% of global freight transport, it represents only 2% of total transport energy demand, highlighting its efficiency.  

“The rail sector can provide substantial benefit to the energy sector as well as the environment,” said Fatih Birol. “By diversifying energy sources and providing more efficient mobility, rail can lower transport energy use and reduce carbon dioxide and local pollutant emissions.”

Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, Director General of UIC, was to be invited to speak at this event as UIC and IEA successfully cooperated throughout the year 2018.
Mr Loubinoux stated that: “It is that the sustainable development goals for the global railway sector are achievable, such rail as the safest mode of transport, rail reduces congestion, rail improves access to mobility, railway companies are responsible and attractive employers (rail is the largest employer in India) and last but not least rail has a low impact on the environment and climate change.”

The Future of Rail includes a Base Scenario that projects the evolution of the railway sector to 2050 on the basis of announced policies, regulations projects. It also includes a High Rail Scenario to demonstrate the energy and environmental benefits of a more significant shift of passengers and goods to rail transport. While the High Rail Scenario requires about 60% more investment than in the Base Scenario, global CO₂ emissions from transport peak in the late 2030s, air pollution is reduced and oil demand is lowered.

Mr Loubinoux explained that “In the High Rail Scenario, by minimising cost per passenger or , maximising revenues from stations and ensuring that all modes of transport pay for the negative impacts that they generate (polluter pays principle), an aggressive deployment of rail could lead to a peak of CO2 emissions in transport. This scenario leads to the reduction and shift of 11.5 trillion from airplanes, cars two/three-wheelers, and 7.4 trillion from trucks in 2050.”

The report includes a specific focus on India. “Rail serves as a vital lifeline of India, playing a unique social and economic role,” said Birol. Rail remains the primary transport mode in the country, providing vital connections within and between cities and regions, and guaranteeing affordable passenger mobility that has long been a government priority. Rail passenger traffic in India has increased by almost 200% since 2000 yet prospects for future growth remain bright. Construction has started on India’s first high-speed rail line, the total length of metro lines is set to more than triple in the next few years, and two dedicated freight corridors are on track to enter operation by 2020.

In all countries, including India, the future of the rail sector will be determined by how it responds to both rising transport demand and rising pressure from transport modes. Rising incomes and populations in developing and emerging economies, where cities are growing exponentially, are set to lead to strong demand for more efficient, faster and cleaner transportation, but the need for speed and flexibility tend to car ownership and air travel. Rising incomes also drive demand for growth in freight, where higher incomes have sharply increased demand for rapid delivery of higher value and lighter goods.

You can access the report here: https://webstore.iea.org/the-future-of-rail

Sources for this press release: IEA, UIC