This paper investigates the economic, environmental, and grid-resilience benefits of transitioning from diesel-electric to battery-electric locomotives in the US freight rail sector. The authors demonstrate that battery-electric trains, utilizing recent advancements in battery technology and access to renewable energy, can achieve cost parity with diesel trains, considering environmental costs and wholesale electricity pricing. A significant reduction in CO2 emissions and air pollution-related health damages is projected, resulting in substantial long-term cost savings for the rail sector and overall societal benefits.
Publisher
Nature Energy
Published On
Nov 11, 2021
Authors
Natalie D. Popovich, Deepak Rajagopal, Elif Tasar, Amol Phadke
Tags
battery-electric locomotives
diesel-electric transition
freight rail sector
renewable energy
cost savings
environmental benefits
CO2 emissions reduction
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