Alternative energy could be a boon for high-speed railway system

New analysis highlights the potential benefits of alternative energy systems in railway system

The U.S. State of California is currently invested in the development of a high-speed railway system. The project has been met with varying degrees of support and criticism from consumers and businesses alike. With concerns regarding the viability of the high-speed railways system reaching new highs, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and the Arizona State University have produced a new analysis that highlights the benefits of the system. Researchers note that the high-speed railway system could have a positive impact on the environment, if it is powered using alternative energy.

Researchers suggest that alternative energy could make high-speed railway system more energy efficient and sustainable than other forms of transpiration

Arpad Horvath and Mikhail Chester from the Universities of California and Arizona, respectively, have compared the sustainability of the state’s proposed high-speed railway project to other modes of transportation, public and otherwise. Through their analysis, the researchers have determined that that the railway system would consume less energy and produce less greenhouse gas emissions if it is powered by alternative energy and makes use of modern trains. According to the analysis, this is true even when accounting for the emergence of fuel efficient planes and automobiles.

High-speed railway system to begin construction in 2013

The high-speed railway system is currently slated to begin construction in 2013. Legislators and project leaders have significant time to examine the prospects of alternative energy systems and how they may be used in the new system. More than $4.7 billion in state funds and $3.3 billion in federal funds have been allotted to the project, which will link Los Angeles and San Diego with a 768-mile rail system. Until very recently, the project has been closed to public debate, a problem that the analysts hope to remedy with their new study.

Analysis may encourage the adoption of alternative energy for the project

Alternative energy has begun to cause a stir in the world of transportation. Clean energy systems have managed to show that they can make transportation more efficient and cost effective, if used properly. Researchers hope that their analysis will encourage California to adopt alternative energy systems into the new high-speed railway project.

Related article(s) and resources:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120727102440.htm