Ameer Randolph
Supersonic trains are currently still in development, with Chinese billionaire Li Shufu signing a deal with the Chinese Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) to build supersonic trains that can travel at 1,000km/h. While the current focus of the project is on speed, it raises the question of fuel sources and the environmental impact of such trains. High-speed trains typically run on electricity, which can be produced from a wider range of sources than fossil fuels, although much of the world's electricity is still generated at fossil fuel-burning power plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel source | Electricity |
| Fossil fuel usage | Power stations that provide electricity to trains can consume fossil fuels |
| Comparison with other transport methods | Trains are more fuel-efficient per passenger space offered than planes and automobiles |
| Environmental impact | Trains contribute to carbon emissions, but the climate impact of one train is significantly less than that of many personal vehicles |
| Energy sources | The energy sources for trains can be distant or renewable |
| Energy generation | Even using electricity generated from fossil fuels, high-speed trains are more fuel-efficient than cars due to economies of scale in generator technology |
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What You'll Learn
Supersonic trains are unlikely to use fossil fuels
Supersonic trains are an innovative concept in high-speed rail travel, with China at the forefront of their development. The aim is to create trains that can travel at speeds of 1,000 km/h, surpassing the speed of sound. While the idea of supersonic trains is exciting, it is unlikely that they will rely on fossil fuels as their primary energy source. Here's why:
Firstly, high-speed rail infrastructure often utilizes electric power, which can be sourced from a diverse range of energy sources, including renewable options. Most high-speed trains already in operation run on electricity instead of diesel fuel, and this trend is expected to continue with supersonic trains. Electric power offers greater flexibility in energy sourcing and contributes to a reduction in air pollutants compared to air travel, which predominantly uses fossil fuels.
Secondly, the development of supersonic trains is driven by the desire to revolutionize transportation and compete with other modes of travel. High-speed rail is often positioned as a more environmentally friendly alternative to air travel and automobiles. For example, the Eurostar, which primarily runs on the French electricity grid, emits 90% less than flying between London and Paris. High-speed rail in France and China has been found to have a significantly lower carbon footprint than car or aviation travel. As such, it is in the best interest of supersonic train projects to minimize their environmental impact by utilizing renewable or alternative energy sources rather than fossil fuels.
Additionally, the complexity and challenges associated with supersonic train development further reduce the likelihood of relying on fossil fuels. Supersonic trains will likely employ magnetic levitation and vacuum tubes to achieve supersonic speeds, which comes with its own set of technical and safety concerns. The proposed acceleration and deceleration levels, for instance, might be too extreme for the general public. As a result, developers will need to focus on addressing these critical issues rather than considering fossil fuels as an energy source.
Moreover, the economic and infrastructure considerations of high-speed rail influence the energy choices available. High-speed rail infrastructure is already costly, and utilizing fossil fuels would likely increase operational expenses. In contrast, renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, offer more sustainable and cost-effective options in the long term. California's high-speed rail project, for instance, aims to utilize solar power, showcasing the shift towards renewable energy in the high-speed rail sector.
While it is challenging to predict the exact energy landscape of supersonic trains, the current context of high-speed rail and the goals of supersonic train development suggest a departure from fossil fuels. The combination of environmental concerns, technological advancements, and economic factors makes it unlikely that supersonic trains will rely on fossil fuels. Instead, we can expect a continued focus on electrification and the exploration of renewable energy sources to power these innovative trains.
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High-speed trains are more fuel-efficient than cars
Supersonic trains are yet to become a reality. In 2018, Chinese billionaire Li Shufu announced plans to build supersonic trains that can travel at 1,000km/h. However, this project is still a long way from real-world use.
While we wait for supersonic trains, let's explore why high-speed trains are more fuel-efficient than cars.
High-speed trains are significantly more fuel-efficient per passenger per kilometre travelled than cars. This is due to several factors, including economies of scale in generator technology and the trains themselves, as well as lower air friction and rolling resistance at high speeds. Additionally, high-speed trains can accommodate more passengers at much higher speeds, further improving their fuel efficiency relative to cars.
The fuel efficiency of trains becomes even more pronounced when comparing them to cars in areas with high population densities or where gasoline is expensive. In such areas, conventional trains can be more fuel-efficient than cars when ridership is high, as is the case with other forms of mass transit. For example, in Norway, the introduction of the Gardermoen Line, a high-speed rail line, increased the rail market share for passengers travelling from Oslo to the airport (a distance of 42km) to 51% in 2014, while bus and car usage decreased to 17% and 28%, respectively.
Furthermore, high-speed trains are often electrically powered, and electricity can be produced from a wider range of sources than gasoline or diesel, which are typically used by cars. This allows for flexibility in fuel sources and can further improve the environmental footprint of high-speed trains compared to cars.
High-speed trains also have additional advantages over cars, such as increased comfort due to reduced weight restrictions and improved legroom, as well as reduced delays due to traffic congestion. These factors, along with their fuel efficiency, make high-speed trains a more attractive option than cars for both passengers and environmentally conscious individuals.
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Electricity for trains can be generated from fossil fuels
Although there is currently no mention of supersonic trains in existence, electric trains are already in use and are powered by electricity from overhead lines, a third rail, or onboard energy storage such as a battery or supercapacitor. Electricity is typically generated in large and relatively efficient generating stations, transmitted to the railway network, and distributed to the trains. Even if electricity is produced by fossil fuels, electric trains reduce environmental pollution, especially in highly populated urban areas. Electric trains also offer better energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and fewer emissions than diesel trains.
Electric trains can be powered by electricity generated from diverse sources, including renewable energy sources such as geothermal power, hydroelectric power, biomass, solar power, nuclear power, and wind turbines. The use of electric trains can also lead to reduced track maintenance due to the lack of reciprocating parts. Additionally, electric locomotives are quieter, more powerful, and more responsive and reliable than diesel trains.
The first electric passenger train, powered by a generator, was presented by Werner von Siemens in Berlin in 1879. The train carried 90,000 passengers on a 300-meter-long circular track over four months. The electricity was supplied through a third insulated rail between the tracks, with a contact roller used to collect the electricity. The world's first electric tram line opened in Lichterfelde, Germany, in 1881, and the first regular service powered by an overhead line began operating near Vienna, Austria, in 1883.
Today, electric locomotives are used for passenger trains on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, and Boston, with a branch to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and on some commuter rail lines. Toronto also plans to operate a fleet of new electric locomotives as part of its Regional Express Rail initiative. Electric trains offer several advantages over diesel trains, including lower costs, higher energy efficiency, and reduced environmental pollution, even when the electricity is generated by fossil fuels.
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Trains that run on electricity are more environmentally friendly
Although there are plans to create supersonic trains in China, it is unclear whether they will run on electricity or fossil fuels. However, trains that run on electricity are more environmentally friendly than their diesel or fossil fuel-powered counterparts. Electric trains emit 20-35% less carbon per passenger mile than diesel trains. They also have zero emissions at the point of use, which is especially beneficial for improving air quality in pollution hotspots like city centres and mainline stations.
Electric trains are more energy-efficient than electric cars, with London's subway system being about 40% more efficient. They are also more efficient than rubber-tired vehicles because steel wheels on steel rails create 99% less friction than rubber tires on roads. This lack of friction means that most of the energy consumed by trains is used to turn the wheels. Additionally, trains gain an energy advantage through their caravan formation, as the draft created by the locomotive reduces drag and increases energy efficiency for the entire line of railcars.
The light weight of electric trains increases their energy efficiency and reduces wear and tear on the tracks. They also do not need to carry their power source, unlike electric cars, which require bigger and heavier batteries as the cars themselves get bigger. This "battery bloat" leads to more frequent charging and increases the danger of collisions.
With the emergence of clean energy generation, electric trains can operate with a very low environmental impact. For example, the proposed high-speed rail line between San Francisco and Los Angeles in California will generate its power from renewable energy sources, resulting in zero greenhouse gas emissions.
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Supersonic trains may use magnetic levitation and vacuum tubes
Supersonic trains, such as those envisioned by Chinese billionaire Li Shufu, may use magnetic levitation and vacuum tubes to reach supersonic speeds. This is because wheels would not be able to reach supersonic speeds due to friction.
A vactrain (or vacuum tube train) is a proposed design for very-high-speed rail transportation. It is a maglev (magnetic levitation) line that uses partially evacuated tubes or tunnels. Reduced air resistance could allow vactrains to travel at hypersonic speeds with relatively little power—up to 6,400–8,000 km/h (4,000–5,000 mph).
The concept of vactrains was explored as early as the 1910s by American rocket pioneer Robert Goddard and others. In 1955, Polish science-fiction writer Stanisław Lem wrote about an intercontinental vactrain in his novel "The Magellan Nebula." The vactrain also appeared in Mack Reynolds's 1962 story "Mercenary."
In the 1970s and 1980s, the Swissmetro proposed to leverage the invention of the German Transrapid maglev train and operate in large tunnels at high altitudes. In the 1980s, Frank P. Davidson and Japanese engineer Yoshihiro Kyotani proposed a transoceanic vactrain system with a tube floating above the ocean floor, anchored by cables.
More recently, in 2018, a Chinese company proposed a vacuum-based maglev train capable of speeds of 1,000 km/h (620 mph). A low-vacuum sealed tube test system capable of reaching similar speeds began construction in Datong, Shanxi Province, in 2021.
While the concept of vactrains and magnetic levitation is promising for supersonic transportation, there are still challenges and safety concerns that need to be addressed, such as the potential for severe aerodynamic heating at supersonic speeds in closed tubes and the potential impact on the human body in the event of leaks or pressure drops.
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Frequently asked questions
Supersonic trains are still in development and are not yet in use. However, it is likely that they will run on electricity, like most high-speed trains, rather than diesel fuel.
High-speed trains run on electricity instead of diesel fuel. However, since much of the world's electricity is still generated in fossil fuel-burning power plants, high-speed trains do contribute to carbon emissions. Nevertheless, the climate impact of one train is significantly less than that of many personal vehicles.
High-speed trains are more fuel-efficient per passenger space offered than planes and automobiles. This is due to economies of scale in generator technology, lower air friction, and the ability to accommodate more passengers at higher speeds.
California's long-awaited high-speed train will be solar-powered, according to the California High-Speed Rail Authority. This will make it the first high-speed train to be powered entirely by renewable energy.
High-speed trains offer several advantages over other modes of transport, including increased comfort, reduced delays due to congested airports, and lower carbon emissions. They also reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution by replacing traditional transportation.
