New project: Quality assurance of possibilities to reduce emissions from rail transport

About one third of greenhouse gas emissions in Norway stem from transportation. Although emissions from rail transport account for only a small share of these, it is important to investigate how these emissions can be reduced if climate policy targets are to be achieved.

The Norwegian Railway Directorate has prepared a Conceptual Appraisal (KVU) about the possibilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the railway. The KVU considers electrification of the remaining railways and introduction of trains using batteries, hydrogen or biodiesel. We will carry out quality assurance of the project, as part of the Norwegian scheme of major public investments.

“This is an exciting assignment at the intersection of transport, energy and climate. This is also a field of rapid technology development. Although emissions from the railway are small today, it is important to consider all possibilities in order to achieve the transition to the low emission society. Nevertheless, cost efficiency is an important principle in Norwegian climate policy," says project manager Orvika Rosnes.