THE dominant use of diesel traction for freight haulage is inconsistent with plans to deliver a carbon neutral rail network by 2040, and to date there has been reluctance by Network Rail to promote the electrification of route sections where there are high levels of freight traffic.
That decision is understandable as there has been a lack of suitable electric locomotives to maximise the use of existing electrified lines.
That situation has changed with the decision by GB Railfreight to order 30 Class 99 bi-mode locomotives, to be built by Stadler and financed by Beacon Rail, which are due to enter traffic from 2025 onwards. These locomotives have a Co-Co arrangement and will offer power of 8050hp in electric operation with 2150hp available for use on non-electrified routes and within terminals.
The specification is for a freight locomotive with a maximum speed of 75mph based on the EuroDual design used on the continent with modifications to work within the UK loading gauge. GBRf anticipates that Class 66s will be displaced from current diagrams, which it estimates will reduce carbon emissions by 428 tonnes for each working day.
Another new locomotive being offered for the UK market323). It is designated as a mixed traffic locomotive, with 10 to be delivered to Rail Operations Group by the end of the year, with an option for a further 20 that could be exercised by the end of the year.
