Promoting technological investment in the Australian rail freight sector: evaluating the feasibility of accelerated depreciation

摘要: Although regulation for emissions, pollution, etc., is becoming stricter, the Australian rail freight industry still locked in to using large numbers of existing rolling stock, e.g., locomotives and wagons. Much this stock no longer efficient. Largely as a result infrastructure constraints, it not feasible operators dispense with their old technology at regular intervals, even though they will need pay more use older if carbon price eventuates. This thesis seeks ascertain viability promoting investment incentives newly acquired locomotives, wagons other equipment. It analyses impact an accelerated depreciation scheme on behaviour above-rail offers comparison alternative or mechanisms. These schemes, efficacy demonstrated, could potentially provide tools encourage re-equipment aging fleet facilitate provision sustainable growth Australia. A three-stage sequential mixed methods approach was designed investigate implications sector. In first stage, in-depth interview technique employed contextualise replacement decisions among firms. second extended asset model exclusively developed examine whether tax concessions significantly reduce optimal time replace industry. final focus group applied findings from two stages expert assessments implications. This concludes that alone unlikely be sufficient assure desired level cleaner technologies. The should part whole suite initiatives stimulate investment, primary mechanism. main obstacle incompatibility between below-rail Australia modernised equipments. This implies successfully them incentive fleets impossible, example, run new train track. Improving therefore has been identified only way ensure ongoing sustainability sector terms overall energy efficiency. Nevertheless, upgrading difficult task. To greater efficiency within short term, some instantaneous provided. A two-pronged proposed. particular, buy equipment combined ‘cash clunkers’ refurbishment option make assets energy…