United Kingdom, 2008-Feb-28
Siemens today underlined its commitment to creating greener railways, with the launch of a major initiative at today’s RAIL 2008 conference.
Launching Green Mobility, managing director of Siemens Transportation Systems, Christian Roth said, “Siemens is taking a balanced holistic approach to rail-based mobility – from mass transit to regional to main-line services for people and goods.
We have positioned our product portfolio to meet the needs of transportation and logistics operators. They are the ones who make sure people and goods are transported safely and swiftly – be it across cities, within regions or over long distances. Reliability, safety, attractiveness and efficiency are our top priorities and benefit the operators and the environment.”
He added: “The rail industry is and should be asking how it can cut CO2 emissions to avoid a climate collapse and the depletion of our essential fossil fuel. I believe Siemens has the answers.”
Green Mobility is part of a global approach under the banner of Complete Mobility. Siemens is a leading international supplier to the railways industry and as a single source supplier and system integrator combines all the expertise necessary to cover all areas of rail transportation.
“Environmental considerations such as reducing CO2 emissions and improving sustainability play an important role when it comes to making the railways attractive and ensuring that even more people will be carried by rail in the future,” said Christian Roth.
In the UK, the Siemens electric Desiro fleet incorporates energy efficient regenerative braking. A further 37 Desiro Class 350s will shortly be delivered to train operators London Midland to replace the Class 321s – which do not have regenerative capability.
An environmental improvement initiative developed by Siemens has slashed the fuel consumption of the Desiro Class 185 diesel train by 7%. Working in partnership with train operator First TransPennine Express engine running time has been reduced by 80 minutes per vehicle per day, saving over 1.8m litres of fuel per year.
Eco Mode has been introduced without incurring any delay minutes on the First TransPennine Express network or compromising on passenger comfort. It has been developed through train control modifications, selective engine use, evaluation of route-by-route fuel consumption rates and analysis of driving techniques – all with the overall objective of reducing CO2 emissions.
Siemens is also researching and developing energy-efficient intelligent technologies that reduce energy consumption such as the Sitras SES, a static energy storage system. The energy of a braking train is stored in a storage medium located beside the track side and can be used later to accelerate the same train or another train. This system enables energy generated during braking to be stored on board the vehicle which is then used when the vehicle reaccelerates.
Greener solutions for level crossings have also been developed. Electromechanical barrier drives can reduce emissions by reducing the closing time for approaching trains, with the shorter waits meaning reduced emissions from motor vehicles. Oil free electromechanical barrier gears also avoid leakage into the environment in event of accidents.
Christian Roth, will present Green Mobility: the future needs the railways for a cleaner environment at 12noon today (Thursday 28 February) at the RAIL 2008 conference at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London.
For further information contact and a copy of the presentation please contact:
Alison Emery, head of communications
Siemens Transportation Systems
Tel: 01530 258204
E: alison.emery@siemens.com
Emma Whitaker, pr & communications officer
Siemens Transportation Systems
Tel. 01530 258111
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