Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Delivering the long-term direction for sustainable railway growth – latest policy updates and priorities for the industry
09:40 to
10:05
Speaker:
Iona Wakely.
Head of Infrastructure Network Interfaces.
Department for Transport Operator.
Panel discussion: Understanding the impact of recent reforms – does the new rail landscape enable faster decarbonisation and more efficient procurement?
10:05 to
10:55
- How is public ownership supporting a more integrated approach to navigating the net zero transition?
- The role of GBR in facilitating fleet replacement and the adoption of low-carbon traction technologies
- What opportunities could increased devolution create for rail decarbonisation?
- What more is needed to make low-carbon rail a reality and ensure greater confidence in procurement?
Morning refreshments and networking
10:55 to
11:25
Creating the commercial conditions to achieve a net zero railway – unlocking investment and overcoming financial barriers
11:25 to
11:50
- Demonstrating that rail decarbonisation is a solid investment – what does a strong business case look like?
- What is holding back private investment in low-carbon rolling stock and infrastructure?
- Balancing commercial viability with decarbonisation ambitions
Speaker:
Sinéad Walshe.
Infrastructure Debt.
Aviva Investors.
Powering rail electrification – where are we now and how can delivery be accelerated?
11:50 to
12:15
- Delivering current electrification programmes – key power and infrastructure requirements
- Securing reliable supply – the potential of renewable energy and addressing grid constraints
- What upgrades are needed to support electrification and increase network capacity?
Speaker:
Dominic Banham-Hall.
Interim Chief Mechanical and Electrical Engineer.
Network Rail.
Bringing battery trains into wider use – lessons from 2026 and the next steps for deployment
12:15 to
12:40
- Experience from battery and tri-mode operation – assessing performance, range and reliability
- Where can battery trains provide a practical alternative to full electrification?
- Scaling battery technology across the UK – what are the opportunities and barriers?
Networking lunch
12:40 to
13:40
Innovations that are transforming fleets and infrastructure – enabling a more efficient and low-carbon railway
13:40 to
14:05
- The role of AI in modernising rail systems – where is AI being used now and future applications?
- Using real-time data to optimise energy management and reduce emissions across rail operations
- Innovative technologies that are delivering smarter operations – from digital signalling to onboard equipment
Speaker:
Speaker from.
Innovate UK.
Decarbonising freight while increasing capacity – delivering growth on a more sustainable railway
14:05 to
14:30
- Moving beyond diesel – which technologies can meet the demands of heavy-haul operations?
- Tackling emissions across freight operations – where are the biggest challenges?
- Maximising existing network capacity – accommodating longer and heavier trains while reducing the carbon footprint
Procuring new fleets – managing costs, timescales, and sustainability requirements
14:30 to
14:55
- Establishing realistic timelines for procurement and fleet introduction
- Integrating key carbon considerations into rolling stock procurement
- Balancing upfront cost with whole-life value – assessing financial costs and energy performance
Speaker:
Gill Richardson.
Head of New Trains.
TransPennine Express.
Afternoon break
14:55 to
15:25
Panel discussion: How should future rolling stock evolve to support decarbonisation? What does this mean for procurement?
15:25 to
16:10
- Understanding upcoming rolling stock replacements across the UK – what do new fleets look like?
- Advancing alternative traction technologies – what are the most viable and realistic options?
- Aligning procurement strategies with net zero targets – what needs to change to respond to future rolling stock specifications?
- Managing procurement uncertainty – how can operators make long-term fleet decisions in a changing market?
Speaker:
Paul Long.
Director, Rail Industry Services.
Heavy Haul Rail Limited.
Addressing embodied carbon across rail assets – practical approaches to minimising environmental impacts
16:10 to
16:35
- Identifying the main sources of embodied carbon in fleets and infrastructure – how to measure these?
- Reducing emissions through material choices and design
- Extending asset life to improve sustainability – where does refurbishment offer the greatest benefits?
Speaker:
Christian Risoli.
Net Zero Emissions Specialist.
RSSB.
Chair’s closing remarks
16:35 to
16:45
Close of conference and networking drinks
16:45 to
17:30