Techno-Economic Assessment of Battery Electric Trains and Recharging Infrastructure Alternatives Integrating Adjacent Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract

Battery electric multiple units (BEMU) are an effective path towards a decarbonized regional rail transport on partly electrified rail lines. As a means of sector coupling, the BEMU recharging energy demand provided through overhead line islands can be covered from decentralized renewable energy sources (RES). Thus, fully carbon-free electricity for rail transport purposes can be obtained. In this study, we analyze cost reduction potentials of efficient recharging infrastructure positioning and the feasibility of covering BEMU energy demand by direct-use of locally produced renewable electricity. Therefore, we set up a model-based approach which assesses relevant lifecycle costs (LCC) of different trackside electrification alternatives comparing energy supply from local RES and grid consumption. The model-based approach is applied to the example of a German regional rail line. In the case of an overhead line island, the direct-use of electricity from adjacent wind power plants with on-site battery storage results in relevant LCC of EUR 173.4 M/30a, while grid consumption results in EUR 176.2 M/30a whereas full electrification results in EUR 224.5 M/30a. Depending on site-specific factors such as existing electrification and line lengths, BEMU operation and partial overhead line extension can lead to significant cost reductions of recharging infrastructure as compared to full electrification.