Rail decarbonisation research gets a boost thanks to Advance Queensland and Aurizon
A Queensland research project targeting rail energy efficiency has won its lead researcher Dr Qing Wu from CQUniversity an Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship worth $360,000 over three years from the Queensland Government.
Long-standing industry partner of CQUniversity’s Centre for Railway Engineering, Aurizon, will also contribute $250,000 to Dr Wu’s project, alongside CQUniversity’s commitment of $110,000, in addition to various in-kind support from other parties involved.
The project aims to improve rail energy efficiency by identifying vehicle design improvements and by developing a vehicle energy rating system like the ratings used for electrical appliances.
According to Dr Wu, rail operators are among the largest individual energy consumers in Queensland, therefore improving energy efficiency in railway vehicles will go a long way to reducing the State’s overall energy consumption and will positively contribute to the Queensland Climate Action Plan.
“By focusing on decarbonisation and cost reduction, the project should improve industry competitiveness and provide big benefits for Queensland communities,” Dr Wu said.
“This Fellowship will use advanced numerical analysis, supercomputing simulations, laboratory tests and field tests to assess and validate the energy efficiency of a comprehensive range of design components that influence vehicle energy efficiency,” he explained.
The project objectives directly align with the Queensland Climate Action Plan, Aurizon’s Climate Strategy and Action Plan and CQUniversity’s strategic plan.
Eur Ing Roger Buckley, Fleet Decarbonisation Manager at Aurizon said: “Aurizon is Australia’s largest rail freight operator and the project’s success promises significant opportunities for Aurizon and the whole rail industry to target and reduce our energy usage.
“Aurizon’s Climate Strategy and Action Plan targets include achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2050 and prioritises investment in development and adoption of low-carbon technologies,” explained Eur Ing Buckley.
“Aurizon's commitment to sustainable practices, energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts aligns perfectly with the project's objectives.”
It is anticipated research outcomes will be disseminated to the rail industry, as agreed by Aurizon and CQUniversity.
Dr Wu has been studying rail-related systems for the past 18 years and has a passion for solving the industry’s problems.
“As you can tell from my railway journey, basically railway research is my life,” Dr Wu said.
“I think it’s a little bit like surfers – surfing at the frontline of railway research makes me happy.
“And I’m constantly motivated to chase and try to lead the frontline research and translate them back to help the industry and to solve practical problems.”
Eur Ing Buckley said: “We have followed Dr Wu’s professional development with great interest over the years. This is an opportunity to work together on an important and fundamental piece of research aimed at significantly reducing the industry’s energy use."
Dr Wu was one of 19 scientists from throughout the State awarded with a 2023 Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship and given a slice of the $5.56 million total investment package.
The Fellowships were awarded to Queensland-based PhD qualified researchers who work with an industry partner to improve Queensland’s agricultural industry, health outcomes, the environment or renewable energy.
The Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland initiative supports the State’s innovators and scientists to develop products and services that will make Queensland a global industrial powerhouse.
