Written question WQ84669
- Asked by
- Vikki HowellsLabour
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 11 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the percentage reduction in emissions that will result from the introduction of the new tram trains on the South Wales Metro?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Climate Change
The brand new tram-trains will operate either using 25kv overhead line electrification or on board battery power. They will operate with significantly lower carbon emissions than the 1980s diesel powered train fleet they will replace.
Transport for Wales have committed to ensuring that the overhead wires on the Core Valley Lines will be powered by 100% renewable energy, with at least 50% of the energy sourced in Wales. Tram-trains will be the rolling stock used on the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines following the transformation of the Core Valley Lines and will deliver the four trains per hour service on these lines.
Well used electrically powered trains are one of the greenest way’s to travel and we would like to operate more electrified services across Wales. However, currently only 2% of the UK Government controlled rail lines in Wales are electrified, which again makes clear the need for the full devolution of rail infrastructure with a fair funding settlement.