Novel Traction Systems for Sustainable Railway Futures in low-income countries (LICs)

Our research project will explore cost-effective traction solutions for sustainable railway futures in Sub-Saharan African low-income countries. Using models and simulations of relevant case studies, we will investigate solutions that address their technical lifecycle requirements, taking into account the social, economic, and geopolitical contexts.

More importantly, we will develop a robust capacity building stream for knowledge transfer, producing online content and holding workshops in the continent to upskill the local workforce in the new technologies.

Key stakeholder engagement

Our project builds on a partnership with the Nigerian Ministry for Transportation to extend our reach into Sub-Saharan African countries. We have engaged with over 30 stakeholders from various countries in the continent, including railway operators, decision makers, and industry representatives. However, we aim to expand our contact list to further our dissemination activities and promote the uptake of our research outputs.

Expected impacts

Even though railway transport is considerably more energy efficient than transporting people and goods by road, diesel as the dominant fuel is harmful to the environment and is likely to be phased out in the next decades. The current alternative of electrification is very expensive and unlikely to offer cost-effectiveness. Therefore, our project will highlight and develop new possibilities that are cost-effective and can leapfrog the technology development curves of traction systems, so that low-income countries can accelerate their regional competitiveness while minimising their environmental impacts.