Energy costs have risen dramatically in recent years and may continue to rise. Carbon emissions are matter of increasing concern, especially with regards to consequences of global warming. Even renewable energy is not cheap, nor without environmental consequences. Fossil fuel use is increasingly regulated in respect of pollutants such as sulphur and particulates adding to the cost of fuel.

Both the financial pressure, and the need to manage our carbon dioxide emissions, mean that railway personnel must improve their understanding of the technology, the economics and the opportunity of energy management to reinforce the position of rail as a cost effective and environmentally friendly form of transport.