Balance ambiental del Corredor Norte del Tren de Alta Velocidad de Españaun enfoque de Análisis de Ciclo de Vida

  1. Andoni Kortazar 1
  2. Gorka Bueno 2
  3. David Hoyos 2
  1. 1 Departamento de Economía Aplicada V de la UPV/EH
  2. 2 Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
    info

    Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea

    Lejona, España

    ROR https://ror.org/000xsnr85

Journal:
Revista de economía crítica

ISSN: 1696-0866 2013-5254

Year of publication: 2020

Issue: 30

Pages: 99-119

Type: Article

More publications in: Revista de economía crítica

Abstract

Spain has the world’s second longest network of High-Speed Rail (HSR) lines built and in service. HSR is usually presented as a sustainable means of transport with huge potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption. The majority of studies carried out on this mode of transport have focused on analysing and estimating these savings in terms of network operation, but sometimes ignore the burdens associated with the construction of the infrastructure. This article analyzes the environmental loads of construction and operation of the Northern Corridor and verifies if its construction is justified in terms of reducing environmental impacts and reducing energy consumption. To do so, it integrates into the study the construction and maintenance phase of the line, together with the operation phase. More specifically, the study is based on the life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology, which includes the calculation of the loads associated with the construction of the infrastructure and distributes them throughout its useful life. This study concludes that this high-speed North line will not compensate, during its useful life, the environmental impacts generated in its construction and maintenance phase, nor will it contribute to net energy savings.

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