Farewell diesel: On the way to climate neutrality using alternative drives and fuels in rail passenger service and rail transport

Abstract

The biggest challenge facing society is climate protection, so Deutsche Bahn is also planning to become climate-neutral by 2040 – but implementing this is a mammoth task that must and can be tackled today! The electrification of a line from diesel to electric vehicles provides allows for more cost-effective railway operation. However as long as major gaps in the non-electrified network are missing, it will be difficult to achieve further modal shifts to rail and thus to reach climate targets. Alternative drive technologies to achieve climate neutrality are largely available in or scalable for the rail sector: Besides classic alternative drive technologies, such as battery and fuel cell new innovative solutions such as alternative fuels, hydrogen engines and ammonia engines will enrich the market and create new possibilities especially for existing vehicles. There is not one technology that can be used in all applications; each diesel replacement technology has its specific applications and limitations. The remaining 17 years until 2040 are very ambitious, and the challenging economic viability of 'green' measures continues to be the biggest obstacle.