U.S. passenger railroad carrier Amtrak has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its network by 2045, supported by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which outlines the plan to invest $66 billion to tackle the Amtrak maintenance backlog, modernize the Northeast Corridor, and provide access to rail service in areas outside the northeast and mid-Atlantic.
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner expects the company to lead the drive towards sustainable transportation in the country.
Amtrak’s plan includes:
· Increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable fuels and energy with an aim to achieving its net-zero goal by 2045
· Collaborating with state partners and experts on innovation in zero-emissions technologies, like fuel cells, hydrogen and batteries, with an aim to reduce diesel fuel usage
· Focusing on energy efficiency upgrades and gradually transitioning to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 through renewable energy generation and power purchase agreements
“We are seeing a new generation of travelers who are conscious of their environmental impact. This is providing a significant opportunity to attract rail riders well into the future,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris.
The firm will consider using renewable diesel which is chemically equivalent to conventional diesel but is made using renewable feedstocks, such as agricultural wastes and plant-based oils. The use of this fuel can reduce life-cycle emissions by about 63%.
While the firm procures 50% of its power from green sources through PPAs, Amtrak will consider conducting renewable energy feasibility assessment for on-site generation. It will also consider using EV charging stations, improving building efficiency and transitioning to heating from emission-free sources.
Additionally, Amtrak will try to reduce emissions from indirect sources by evaluating and striving to reduce emissions from its supply chain.
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From a baseline of 2010, Amtrak’s GHG emissions have reduced by 43% as of fiscal year 2021. Diesel fuel usage has reduced by 40%, mainly due to reduced train service. The implementation of energy efficiency projects has led to a 19% decrease in electricity usage.
Last month, the rail carrier released its sustainability report, claiming that Amtrak average 46 percent more energy efficiency in comparison to car travel and 34 percent than domestic air travel. On its electrified Northeast Corridor, Amtrak reportedly emits 83 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than car travel and 72 percent less than flying.
