Marcin Taraszkiewicz Discusses State of Zero Emissions Rail Technology

The transition to zero emissions technology by railroads is still in its early stages, but change is coming, said HDR Rail and Vehicle Technology Lead Marcin Taraszkiewicz at a recent panel discussion held at the Transportation Research Board’s 124th annual meeting.

Taraszkiewicz has been at the forefront of understanding advancements in hybrid and zero emissions technology and how they can be leveraged by rail operators to reduce costs and align with carbon reduction goals. As reported by FreightWaves, he told attendees about the challenges posed by a lack of standards for operating zero emissions rail equipment, the evolution of the industry, and the technology, regulatory and supply hurdles that he is helping railroads navigate.

Railroads continue to rely on diesel as the standard fuel, but Taraszkiewicz said that conversion projects are already underway for some passenger trains and in short-range operations such as railyard locomotives. Operators have also begun testing near-zero emissions alternatives, such as hydrogen and compressed natural gas, for long-range and heavy-haul fleets.

“Cryogenic compressed hydrogen is another option,” Taraszkiewicz said. “Alternative fuels is an ever-developing field that is moving the goal posts for technology. It could take 10-15 years as standards try to catch up. Like everything else, it’s going to take some time.”

Read the whole article from FreightWaves, “Railroads have lots of questions, some skepticism about zero emissions.”