As rail networks accelerate their decarbonisation goals, traction strategy is becoming one of the industry’s most complex decisions.

Rising infrastructure costs, constrained grid capacity, and operational demands are forcing operators to rethink traditional assumptions about electrification. Instead of relying on a single technology, many railways are adopting flexible, mixed-energy approaches that combine electrification with battery and hydrogen traction systems.

The Global Railway Review Track Insight: Energy & Traction report explores how operators are navigating these challenges and building practical pathways toward sustainable rail operations. This report provides expert insights into the evolving energy landscape for railway traction.

Inside the report:

• Why economics and grid resilience are becoming key drivers of rail decarbonisation

• The strategic trade-offs between electrification, hydrogen, and battery traction

• The technical and political challenges of decarbonising freight operations

• How hydrogen retrofits can enable zero-emission freight yards

• The role of distributed power and hydrogen trains in future rail networks

• Why rail decarbonisation programmes often stall — and how operators can overcome these barriers

Access the full Report to explore real-world strategies, emerging technologies, and expert insights shaping the future of railway decarbonisation.