Only funding needed to electrify railways
The model suggested above of 24,800 kms of electrified single track would require an investment in the order of $7.5 billion.
An innovative method of financing, such as a PPP (Public Private Partnership) or a system of outside guarantees for the infrastructure assets, should be considered because the investment is beyond a reasonable size to add to the balance sheets of the railways, even though the payback would be achieved in less than 10 years.
The railways would save more than $1.4 billion annually in energy costs.
With the growth of electric power generation from wind turbines in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Nova Scotia, and the abundant hydro power available in Quebec, non-fossil fuel electricity generation is now available in every province in Canada.
Wind energy can be purchased through the provincial electrical grid for delivery to almost any load within that grid. Thus, additional loads such as railway electrification do not imply substitution of one form of fossil fuel, diesel, to another one such as coal or residual fuel oil to generate the electric power.
Railway electrification is an environmental bargain that offers long term security of affordable transportation for our Canadian industry, agriculture and natural resources.
Related News
Electricity demand set to reduce if UK workforce self-isolates
LONDON - National Grid ESO is predicting a reduction in electricity demand in the case of the coronavirus spread prompting a lockdown across the country.
Its analysis shows the reduction in commercial and industrial use would outweigh an upsurge in domestic demand.
The prediction was included in an update from the Energy Networks Association (ENA), in which it sought to reassure the public that contingency plans are in place to ensure services are unaffected by the coronavirus spread.
The body, which represents the UK's electricity and gas network companies, said "robust measures" had been put in place to protect control rooms and contact…
