Countries including India and China are electrifying and building new lines at a fast pace. Europe is following this trend but the UK ranks 21st as a percentage electrified. Germany ranks eighth. Worldwide the electrification volume market remains high. Geopolitics and the desire to reduce reliance on oil has once again put rail electrification high on the agenda.
There are a number of reasons why progress in the United Kingdom is much slower. One of the reasons were the delays and cost overruns on the 21st-century modernisation of the Great Western Main Line project. In addition, there were problems with the GOBLIN electrification project. Another reason cited is apportioning blame between the various parties. The boom and bust cycle over the years has also increased costs as expertise is lost.