Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Speaker:
Professor Stuart Hillmansen.
Professor of Railway Traction Systems.
University of Birmingham.
Part 1: Where are we with decarbonisation and the next steps to improving sustainability and meeting 2040 targets
09:40 to
12:35
Support for rail decarbonisation – priorities for the sector and moving forward with decarbonisation
09:40 to
10:05
- The role of rail in facilitating wider decarbonisation
- Reform and rail decarbonisation
- Strategies and timelines
Delivering a greener and more sustainable railway – plans for supporting decarbonisation and more passengers using rail
10:05 to
10:30
- Improving sustainability by supporting more journeys by rail – providing passengers a reliable, affordable and green option for travel
- Plans and progress with traction decarbonisation
The steps needed to achieve a more sustainable railway
10:30 to
10:55
- Improving sustainability across the rail sector – the next steps
- Beyond electrification – what are the short term actions that can drive forward wider decarbonisation through rail?
- The role of collaboration and a joined up approach in driving decarbonisation actions in both the short and long term
- What are the main challenges to achieving decarbonisation and possible solutions
Speaker:
Steven Hart.
Service Lead – Rail System Technology – Rail Advisory Services.
WSP.
Morning networking and refreshments
10:55 to
11:25
Panel discussion: The role of devolution in supporting rail decarbonisation - what actions are being taken to improve sustainability, support modal-shift and create a greener railway?
11:25 to
12:10
- How can devolved authorities contribute to the decarbonisation of rail?
- Working to ensure improved intermodal connectivity and easier journeys by rail – contributing to the overall reduction of emissions and improved sustainability
- Plans and actions supporting rail decarbonisation and improved sustainability
- Supporting more journeys by rail – making journeys greener door to door
Speakers:
Tawhida Yaacoub.
Integrated Transport Programme Lead.
Midlands Connect.
Dawn Badminton-Capps.
Head of Rail Partnerships.
North East Combined Authority.
Will Smith.
Partner.
Addleshaw Goddard.
The barriers to rail freight growth and the support needed for decarbonisation
12:10 to
12:35
- Rail’s role in supporting modal shift and reducing emissions – how to shift more from road to rail
- Actions needed to decarbonise rail freight – progress so far and next steps
Networking lunch
12:35 to
13:35
Part 2: Progressing alternative traction methods into operation - changes needed to support the transition
13:35 to
15:05
Battery powered train operations: practical consideration for operations and establishing standards
13:35 to
14:00
- Progress with the use of batteries in operation – reliability and range
- Establishing standards for use of batteries and related infrastructure
- Delivering the infrastructure needed to support charging
- Safety regulations required
The use of hydrogen – progress with hydrogen trains
14:00 to
14:25
- Range and reliability of hydrogen
- Progressing hydrogen trains into operation
- The future of hydrogen as an alternative fuel choice
Panel discussion: Preparing for different fuels – what are the operational and safety considerations to move forward wider adoption?
14:25 to
15:05
- Future trends and the use of bimodal and trimodal fleets
- Preparing for the use of batteries, hydrogen and biofuels
- Building sustainability into future rolling stock procurement
- Adapting existing fleets to support alternative fuels and enabling life extension of assets
- Human factors and the tranistion to alternative fuels
- Deciding what traction choice is most appropriate - are different fuels more suitable for different areas?
- Learnings from outside the UK
Speakers:
Julian Fletcher.
Technology Development Manager (Fast Charge Battery Train Trial).
Great Western Railway.
Ben Warren.
Emissions Principal.
RSSB.
James Wright.
Product Manager - Decarbonisation.
Angel Trains.
Afternoon networking and refreshments
15:05 to
15:35
Part 3: Operational changes needed to support non traction decarbonisation
15:35 to
16:25
Improving wider sustainability in train operations
15:35 to
16:00
- Improving sustainability across operations
- Creating greener stations
- Involving and communicating change with passengers and communities
Ensuring sustainable construction of rail infrastructure – what are low carbon options?
16:00 to
16:25
- The challenge of rail’s reliance on steel
- Tackling embedded carbon
- Solutions enabling greener construction and infrastructure delivery
Part 4: Achieving rail decarbonisation in the long term – supporting electrification and ensuring the skills needed in the sector
16:25 to
17:10
What electrification is needed and how will it be delivered?
16:25 to
16:45
- Plans and timelines
- Progress to date and lessons learned
- The challenges of electrification and possible solutions
- The role of the supply chain in delivering electrification
Speaker:
David Clarke.
Senior Technical Advisor.
Railway Industry Association.
Skills needed to support a greener railway
16:45 to
17:10
- Preparing training and upskilling for new forms of traction
- Retaining diesel knowledge – the use of digital tools to support training
- Competing with different industries for sustainability professionals
Speakers:
Neil Robertson.
Chief Executive.
NSAR.
Sam Goody.
Data Analyst.
NSAR.
Chair’s closing remarks
17:10 to
17:15
Close of conference and networking drinks
17:15 to
18:00