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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 13 September 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 September 2021. It was answered by Andrew Stephenson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 September 2021 on behalf of the Department for Transport.


High Speed 2 Line: Rolling Stock

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to require the operators of diesel locomotives employed on HS2 construction work to use renewable diesel instead of fossil diesel to improve air quality and reduce CO2 emissions along the route of HS2.

Answer

HS2 has a Strategic Objective to design, build and operate HS2 to reduce carbon. The project is committed to limiting its environmental effects to those reported in the Environmental Statement.

Air quality emission requirements have been set for all construction vehicles and plant & machinery, and targets are in place to go beyond these requirements as technology improves. Deployment of low and zero carbon emitting equipment, including the use of fully electric, solar, hybrid and hydrogen technologies, continues across all HS2 sites.

HS2 Ltd is actively working with its contractors and supply chain to develop evidence in low carbon alternatives (hybrid, electric, biofuels, hydrogen, etc.) as a replacement for conventional diesel across its works (including on-road, plant and machinery as well as movements of material by rail). These innovations are aimed at building a better understanding of alternative fuels and technologies. As evidence is built, results will continue to be shared across the construction industry and other sectors.

HS2 Ltd continues to challenge its contractors and supply chain to take up cleaner technologies, fuels and materials where independent evidence on the benefits exist. The majority of the UK’s Rail Freight Operating Companies are part of that supply chain and are actively engaged in testing and developing their fleet in regard to safe acceptance of such alternatives, together with ensuring biofuels used are in line with the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, which regulates biofuels used for transport and non-road mobile machinery.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
48227
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Rolling stock Diesel engines High Speed 2 line Renewable fuels
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk