Austrian train stations powered with green electricity
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has reached a new milestone in implementing the energy-saving policy. The company provided green electricity for all train stations, offices, workshops and container cranes. On that occasion, ÖBB installed the restyled logo at Vienna train station. The emblem consists of standard three-letter composition ‘ÖBB’ painted in a green colour instead of the ordinary red colour.
The green electricity at train stations and other infrastructure is a part of the ÖBB’s strategy to become a carbon-free company. The new measure allows it to save an additional 30 thousand tonnes of CO2 a year. “By switching to 100 per cent green electricity for our stations, offices, workshops and more, we reach the next milestone towards a carbon-free corporation. Now, we are taking the measures that contribute to the future of our children and grandchildren,” CEO of ÖBB Andreas Matthä said.
Vienna train station
The train station of the Austrian capital is the main energy-saving location on the country’s network. The facility is being powered with geothermal and braking energy for five years. The station building is heated thanks to energy recovery from the escalators and lifts. When passengers use escalators or lifts, the mechanisms generate the braking energy. 13 per cent of the station energy consumption is generated by the photovoltaic and geothermal systems. It allows ÖBB to save 4.2 thousand tonnes of CO2 every year. Also, the Vienna railway station is equipped with the CO2-controlled ventilation that regulates the CO2 concentration in the air.
Traction energy
In summer 2018 ÖBB announced the switch to 100 per cent green traction energy. Its one third is generated by the company’s own hydropower plants and own traction solar power plant that is considered to be a first one in the world. The remaining green electricity is supplied by partner power plants. The green traction energy reduces CO2 emissions by circa 3.5 million tonnes a year.
Also read:
