Decarbonization of rail transport as an element of climate policy

Abstract: The aim of this article is to present the plans for the energy transformation of the Polish railway system in the context of the objectives of the European and national climate policy. After a short introduction and reference to the main sources, the author discusses modern methods of reducing pollutant emissions accompanying the use of traction energy on the railroad. The second part describes the steps of a specific plan with the goal of achieving zero emissions for this mode of transport. The whole is closed with a summary that indicates a general change in the priorities of the European transport policy and the resulting new opportunities and impulses for the development of railways. Keywords: Sustainable transport; Railway; Climate policy; Emissions reduction