CER calls for strategy to protect affordable energy supply for rail

The ongoing crisis in European energy markets, triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine will have a significant impact on all sectors. Despite its energy-efficiency, rail transportation is no exemption. The European railway sector, represented by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), together with European Rail Freight Association (ERFA), have called upon the European Commission and Member States to develop a strategy which protects the European Union’s modal shift objectives and ensures uninterrupted affordable energy supply for rail transportation.

The EU Green Deal climate neutrality target foresees a stronger role for railways, as defined in the modal shift goals of the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. Rail is indeed the closest mode to achieve net zero emissions before the mid-century. In addition to mitigating climate change, railways are also playing a vital role in addressing other global challenges, such as travel of refugees and grain transportation from Ukraine. Nevertheless, rail’s modal share is at serious risk due to energy price developments. Energy amounts to approximately 10-20 per cent of rail undertakings’ cost base and traction electricity prices in rail freight and passenger doubled for the period 2021 and 2022 with some countries even experiencing a tenfold price increase.

Railway operators will not be able to maintain their ticket prices and shipping rates unless support measures, such as price caps for energy and state aids are introduced. The policy makers should adopt a multimodal approach in support measures and avoid competition distortion between modes of transport.

“Railways should be identified as a strategic service, which should be prioritised in the supply of affordable energy as a short-term measure,” Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director for CER, said. “More freight and passengers on rail will improve the EU’s energy balance. This is important in the current energy crisis and to help lower the EU’s energy dependency on imported fossil fuels.”