Q: Could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience related to the focus of this event?
David Clarke, Railway Industry Association (DC): In 2019 I wrote the RIA electrification cost challenge report which identified the lessons that needed to be learnt from the problems on the Great Western Electrification Programme, which led to curtailing the electrification programme. This report also identified that, despite the problems on GW, most projects were being delivered efficiently. I believe the report contributed to the restart of electrification projects. In 2024 I co-wrote a report which assessed how much electrification was now needed given the the availability of BEMUs. I am now working on a report to identify what needs to be different to build confidence in stakeholders and funders that the supply chain can deliver system decarbonisation (Rolling stock, full and partial electrification) efficiently.
Richard Turner, RSSB (RT): I work for the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and one of my current tasks is to introduce standards which help industry to introduce battery vehicles. This is by setting out requirements, rationale and guidance for the design, vehicle charging interfaces and safety functions required for battery vehicle on the GB mainline railway. Guidance will be required for operators of battery rail vehicles to manage battery charging and capacities and the control of these units to reduce risks of operational incidents.
Q: What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
DC: The lack of any agreed strategy to decarbonise the rail network creating huge uncertainty for all parties and stifling the ability for the private sector to invest.
RT: I feel that standards to help manufactures and operators to procure battery rail vehicles or integrate systems have been lacking and proven assurance of the reliability and integration with infrastructure of these vehicles within GB I think has slowed the introduction of battery traction vehicles.
I think looking at the many research projects I’m going to present that might support standards in this area the challenges might be:
- Maintaining a safe mode of travel;
- Due to the varying age of infrastructure across the country and the evolved standards, optimising our existing energy power supply infrastructure is crucial to address power limitations or constraints;
- New continuous electrification costs are high so alternative methods like discontinuous electrification might be more attractive; and
- Skills, training and competency in battery system integration
Q: What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's event?
DC: I am keen to see the conference recognise that the technical solutions to decarbonisation are available. The challenge is coming together to convince clients and stakeholders that a different commercial and procurement approach is needed to deliver efficiently.
RT: Mainly I think the research in general that the RSSB is undertaking with industry benefits rail in many ways but really does support the use of battery rail vehicles which is critical to maintain high levels of reliability for passengers or freight.
Q: What do you consider to be the key areas of innovation in this industry, both in the UK and internationally?
DC: We need to focus on process as well as technical innovation.
RT: I think to surpass a lithium-ion chemistries it would require significant improvement or leap to an alternative chemistry of battery type.
An area that I would consider key, is safer battery chemistries in terms off-gassing and thermal runaway risks, this could reduce overall risks and reduce the costs involved in the many layers of mitigation in design and process to maintain safety on battery rail vehicles.
You may not need very energy dense batteries if your charging infrastructure is robust, and your battery allows high C limits of charging without damaging its life early.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this event?
DC: To understand the current state of the art so that you can become an advocate for efficient decarbonisation of the rail system.
RT: This is quite an important technology for the future, which is now being used in many sectors, marine, rail, automotive, aviation and is allowing us to move away from fossil fuels and move towards meeting sustainability targets across these industries. These events are essential to grow your own knowledge and to share experiences with others to drive innovation and understanding of the technology.
The Rolling Stock 2025: Batteries and BEMUs seminar will be taking place on 8 May 2025 at One Birdcage Walk, London.
This technical seminar brings together key industry experts to share insights into the latest technological developments, trials, and future opportunities in battery-powered rail systems. It is also a great opportunity to network with like-minded peers from companies across the country and learn about real-world implementations of battery traction, develop a deeper awareness of battery safety, and connect with knowledgeable and influential individuals shaping the future of rail technology.
Plus don't miss The Future of Rail: Young Engineers' Presentation Competition 2025 and Railway Division AGM which will be taking place after the Rolling Stock 2025: Batteries and BEMUs event. Winners of the regional heats will compete for a prize of £1000 at the National Final taking place on 8 May 2025 at One Birdcage Walk, London. The winning presentations will give a fascinating insight to work going on within the Rail Industry across the country, by talented engineers, who are the Future of Rail.
To book your place at the Rolling Stock 2025: Batteries and BEMUs seminar, please visit the event website.