Sustainability and carbon reduction on electrified railways

This paper explores the various aspects of energy use on electric railways. It contrasts the energy consumed and carbon emissions produced by electric trains with diesels and cars. It explores the factors that influence energy use on trains - train mass, passenger loading, speed, acceleration, and auxiliary loads. It discusses the advances being made in energy management and reducing railway carbon emissions - regenerative braking, energy management systems, on board energy storage and the ability to return power to the national grid.