English Abstract The impact of the Betuwe-line, a new rail line from the
harbour of Rotterdam to Germany, on CO2 and NOx emissions from the
Netherlands depends on: *- Emission rates from rail lines versus alternative
transport modes *- The amount of extra goods transported via the Netherlands
*- The mode of transport of goods transported via the Netherlands. Now and
in 2010/2015 emission factors for CO2 and NO2 per tonne kilometer are much
higher for lorries than for inland shipping and rail transport. NOx
emission factors for rail transport are even lower than for inland shipping.
Of all goods that will be transported on the Betuwe line a maximum of 50%
will be transported through other countries if the Betuwe-line is not
constructed. The Betuwe-line will attract more goods from inland shipping
than from road haulage. Depending on the shift between inland shipping,
lorries and other countries in a situation without the Betuwe-line, total
CO2 and NOx emissions from the transport of goods on the Dutch territory
will be diminished by 0-2.5% as a result of the construction of the
Betuwe-line.