Abatement cost curve analysis of freight rail decarbonization alternatives

• Published in: Transportation research. Part D, Transport and environment Vol. 134; p. 104341
• Main Authors: Hernandez, Adrian, Ng, Max T.M., Siddique, Choudhury, Durango-Cohen, Pablo L., Mahmassani, Hani S., Elgowainy, Amgad, Wang, Michael, Zhou, Yan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Abatement cost; Alternative fuels; Decarbonization; Economic analysis; Freight rail; Abatement cost; Economic analysis; Freight rail; Decarbonization; Alternative fuels
• ISSN: 1361-9209
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2024.104341

This paper investigates decarbonization alternatives for the freight rail industry, considering economic, environmental, and operational aspects. The study compares battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives, drop-in fuels including biofuels and e-fuels, and overhead catenary electrification through abatement cost analyses. Scenario analysis identifies the cost-effectiveness of each of the technologies at different stages of decarbonization in the US Class 1 freight railroad network. We show that though battery locomotives offer a lower-cost decarbonization option in the considered scenarios, green hydrogen fuel-powered locomotives become more attractive when battery charging delays are considered. We introduce the concept of the technology margin to cater for uncertainties in battery charging operations and hydrogen fuel production for cases where carbon taxes are imposed on railroad operations. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and rail operators, contributing to sustainable freight rail operations.