How digitalization drives sustainability
Digitalization is enabling even greater levels of sustainability in passenger and freight rail networks – growing efficiency, cutting emissions and improving throughput. Here are some specific ways we are enabling this.
At Siemens Mobility, we are committed to helping our customers achieve carbon-neutral passenger and freight transport, from the first mile to the last. Digitalization plays a major role in enabling this vision – streamlining and expanding rail performance, increasing capacity without more tracks or locomotives, and reducing lifecycle costs, e.g. with condition based, predictive maintenance solutions and by applying circular economy principles.
Concretely, this may be through our innovative brake monitoring system for freight rail, which automates brake testing for improved efficiency. Or by implementing Trainguard MT, which helps lower energy consumption, so cities can achieve their carbon-neutrality goals faster. Or through 3D printing of spare parts, reducing the CO2 emissions connected to production.
Learn more in our examples below. And if the investment costs are your only remaining barrier to greater sustainability, we have a solution for that, too!
Of course, rail is most sustainable when powered by green electricity or hydrogen, such as with our Mireo Plus H or Mireo Plus B trains – or Vectron Dual Mode locomotives wherever electrified lines are not available. These, and other offers, are also digitalization-ready. Learn more about our overall commitment to sustainability.
Enabling a carbon-neutral capital of the future
We are proud to be building a light rail system for Greater Copenhagen, Denmark, for a new level of reliable connectivity from the suburbs to the center. Thanks to an automated circulation of streetcars, availability is increased to every five minutes, boosting the attraction of public transportation. This turnkey light rail system also includes rail electrification for maximum sustainability.
Another way we are helping the city become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital is a regional train project with our communications based train control (CBTC) Trainguard MT. The system uses fewer resources and lower energy consumption, effectively reducing the network’s overall ecological footprint.
Putting the brakes on inefficiency in freight transport
Siemens also actively supports sustainable rail freight transport. In the fight against climate change, it will be crucial to enable a significant shift of transport volumes from road to rail.
Per ton kilometer, a truck emits about 98 grams of CO2. Freight transport only emits about 23 grams per ton kilometer, so almost 80% less.Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock, Siemens Mobility
Greater automation and digitalization in freight transport will help pave the way for this transition, increasing security and growing capacity, while reducing CO2 emissions.
One efficiency lever is manual brake testing, which is time consuming as well as labor intensive. That led us to partner with VTG Rail Europe GmbH to jointly test a pioneering brake monitoring system. Via sensors, the system provides train staff with status data and automated reporting. Placed on each wagon, the sensors send data to mobile devices for a detailed visualization of the brake settings. This reduces manual processes, increases efficiency and avoids unexpected delays or outages – all key drivers to make rail transport more competitive, efficient and sustainable.
Learn more about our innovative new brake monitoring system for freight trains.
Predictive maintenance and on-demand 3D printing for more sustainable spare parts
Railigent, which makes intelligent use of rail asset data, not only improves operations but also maintenance, because data collected by Railigent can be used to predict failures before they occur. Our Digital Depot is connected with Railigent and receives insights of the rail assets to optimize the maintenance processes. So the spare part can then be ordered, or created in advance using 3D printing. In either case, the next time the train is in its depot, the part is ready, reducing maintenance time.
3D printing also saves resources, as spare parts inventories can be streamlined, lighter materials can be used and less waste is produced. In comparison to conventional spare parts manufacturing, it decreases CO2 emissions generated during manufacturing by about 10%.
pare parts 3D printing solution
Enabling access to sustainable solutions
Siemens Financial Services supports customers around the world to achieve their decarbonization goals, providing tailor-made financing models that move businesses, society and people. As the financing experts of Siemens, we have both a deep understanding of innovative technologies matched with vast financing acumen, helping to make smart and sustainable mobility projects real. Benefit from our financing expertise and industry know-how – and get both from a single source.
Find out more about how financing can make a difference and get in touch with our financing experts today!
Inspired?
Sustainability is one of our highlight topics at InnoTrans 2022. Come see us there to learn more about our digital solutions in person.
