5. Challenges and Outlook

5.1 Technical Challenges

Decarbonizing rail transportation presents specific and complex technical challenges that require advanced expertise in several technological fields.

First, although it has been tried and tested, the electrification of the rail network must contend with several technical and economic constraints. Its feasibility depends heavily on the level of rail traffic, as infrastructure costs (overhead wires, substations, transformers, protective devices) are only fully justified on lines with high traffic density and regular service. Modernizing and managing an aging infrastructure while maintaining high operational availability presents significant challenges. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issues between traction equipment and signaling...