The environmental impact in terms of CO 2 of a large-scale train infrastructure considering the electrification of heavy-duty road transport.

The present study analyses the CO ₂ emission balance of a large-scale rail tunnel. The CO ₂ emissions during the construction phase are compared to possible savings during the operational phase, which can be achieved by shifting freight transport from road to rail. The Brenner Base Tunnel is used as case study. Electric vehicles are expected to gradually replace diesel trucks in the near future, affecting road transport. The electricity landscape is also changing strongly in Europe with greater energy production from renewable sources. The research aim is to consider the impact on the CO ₂ emission balance of the electrification of road transport and the changing electricity mix. The results show that in a fully electrified road transport and decarbonized electricity system scenario, there is no direct CO ₂ emission advantage of rail over road transport; however, rail transport at the Brenner pass leads to a relevant energy efficiency advantage.
Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
(© 2024 The Author(s).)