What is needed to shift to sustainable diesel alternatives in rail?

Diesel train on railway tracks

In two months, the developments in sustainable rolling stock and the necessary infrastructure will be the topic of discussion during the Rail Infra Forum 2023 on 14-15 March in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. What can you expect from this event, which will also be accessible online? 

What is required for the implementation of sustainable forms of rolling stock as alternative to current diesel operations, and what role can retrofit solutions and developing new hydrogen and battery trains play? These are some of the questions that will be discussed at the Rail Infra Forum. Best practices will be shared, as well as the latest developments from researcher and the industry across Europe.

This event combines the discussion on rolling stock such as hydrogen and battery battery trains and rolling stick using biofuel, with the development of the infrastructure needed to deploy these fuels and technologies. Speakers from Deutsche Bahn, TU Delft, TÜV SÜD Rail, Hydrogen Center Austria, TUC Rail, Plasser & Theurer and more are on the programme. The topics of the presentations range from DB’s Diesel Exit Programme to analysing a Dutch regional rail network to identify the best solution to replace the diesel trains and migration strategies for heavy duty track machinery distinguishing between retrofit and new procurements.

For an overview of the developments in Europe in the field of sustainable alternatives to diesel trains, RailTech earlier compiled projects in an interactive map. To view the full updated map, click here for access.

Sustainable rolling stock in Europe
Developments in sustainable rolling stock in Europe, map created by RailTech with ArcGis Storymaps

The Rail Infra Forum features two panel discussions. The first will centre on how to accelerate the shift to sustainable rolling stock, the second on what challenges there are in refuelling and recharging infrastructure with speakers from various perspectives.

There will also be dedicated time for the online and physical audience to ask any questions. We look forward to bringing together companies, experts, policymakers and other stakeholders for discussions on this topic, to share knowledge and move the transition to sustainable rail transport forward.

Click here to go to the event website for more information and registration.

Author: Esther Geerts

Former Editor RailTech.com

1 comment op “What is needed to shift to sustainable diesel alternatives in rail?”

bönström bönström|17.01.23|12:11

The needed are: resiliency and redundancy, simply robustness, as at all, other, high quality modes (those handsomely rewarded, by willingly paying clients)…
When resilient, upgrading for higher load – and lower cost – safely is provided for, etc.
When electrification is redundant, a broken overhead supply…, will not prevent from service to be rendered, etc., etc.

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