Abatement cost curve analysis of freight rail decarbonization alternatives

Hernandez, Adrian; Ng, Max T.M.; Siddique, Choudhury; Durango-Cohen, Pablo L.; Mahmassani, Hani S.; Elgowainy, Amgad; Wang, Michael; Joann, Yan Zhou

doi:10.1016/j.trd.2024.104341

Abatement cost curve analysis of freight rail decarbonization alternatives

Journal Article · Tue Aug 06 00:00:00 EDT 2024 · Transportation Research. Part D, Transport and Environment

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2024.104341· OSTI ID:2569870

Hernandez, Adrian ^[1]; ^[1]; Siddique, Choudhury ^[2]; Durango-Cohen, Pablo L. ^[1]; Mahmassani, Hani S. ^[1]; Elgowainy, Amgad ^[2]; Wang, Michael ^[2]; Joann, Yan Zhou ^[2]

Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States)
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)

This paper investigates decarbonization alternatives for the freight rail industry, considering economic, environmental, and operational aspects. The study compares battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives, drop-in fuels including biofuels and e-fuels, and overhead catenary electrification through abatement cost analyses. Scenario analysis identifies the cost-effectiveness of each of the technologies at different stages of decarbonization in the US Class 1 freight railroad network. We show that though battery locomotives offer a lower-cost decarbonization option in the considered scenarios, green hydrogen fuel-powered locomotives become more attractive when battery charging delays are considered. We introduce the concept of the technology margin to cater for uncertainties in battery charging operations and hydrogen fuel production for cases where carbon taxes are imposed on railroad operations. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers and rail operators, contributing to sustainable freight rail operations.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)

Grant/Contract Number:: AR0001469

OSTI ID:: 2569870

Journal Information:: Transportation Research. Part D, Transport and Environment, Journal Name: Transportation Research. Part D, Transport and Environment Vol. 134; ISSN 1361-9209

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
Abatement cost
Alternative fuels
Decarbonization
Economic analysis
Freight rail

Abatement cost curve analysis of freight rail decarbonization alternatives

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