Govia Thameslink Railway is seeking long-term solutions to replace its diesel fleet, according to its new Decarbonisation Roadmap.
Compiled in collaboration with Network Rail, the 43-page document forms part of the operator’s commitment to become carbon ‘net zero’ for all its energy needs by 2050. It outlines the scope to reduce carbon emissions and will be subject to annual review.
It highlights GTR’s current dependency on its 17-strong fleet of three-car Class 171/2, two-car Class 171/7, and three-car Class 171/8 ‘Turbostars’, necessary for the unelectrified Hurst Green Junction to Uckfield and Ore to Ashford ‘Marshlink’ sections of its network.
With the oldest Class 171s now 25 years old, GTR acknowledges that there are “limited proven alternatives [other than diesel] for traction power away from electrified routes”. It says that research into technologies is “ongoing”.
From the solutions cited (including batteries, as experimented by Bombardier in 2015 with its Class 379 and the flywheels used on Parry ‘People Movers’), GTR suggests that those likely to be applicable to its network are “electrification and, potentially, battery operation”.
According to GTR, NR has identified that the Marshlink route may be suitable for battery or electrification, but that strategic planning and a viable business case is needed to identify an industry-preferred solution.
In the meantime, NR recognises battery electric multiple units as a medium-term option as part of providing a high-speed service t
