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Rail freight emits nine times less CO2 than road transport, making it a crucial element of net zero efforts and corporate supply chain decarbonization. With its inherently low energy and CO2 intensities – passenger rail emissions averaging approximately one-fifth those of air travel1, railways deliver a powerful tool for decarbonization that becomes increasingly vital as nations pursue their net zero commitments.
Given an increasing focus on Scope 3 GHG emissions, there are also considerable benefits of rail freight for corporate supply chains as rail transport emits nine times less CO2, and consumes six times less energy than road transport2, although exact comparisons are highly location- and fuel-specific. The foundation for this transformation already exists. The past decade has witnessed substantial growth in both urban transit systems and high-speed rail networks, creating the infrastructure backbone for convenient, low-emission mobility at scale.
Retrofitting existing diesel locomotives presents a viable pathway to sustainability. The locomotives are generally used in construction and maintenance, and one of their tasks is to supply power for electric tools. For example advanced battery-electric retrofits of diesel locomotives increases its lifecycles by 25 years, while AI-powered predictive maintenance optimizes asset productivity and reduces downtime.
Investment in the global rail sector is growing three percent annually toward €240.8 billion by 2029, driven by electrification and high-speed rail routes.
Over the next decade, five critical trends will fundamentally reshape both railway infrastructure and rolling stock, creating new opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage across the rail industry. Success depends equally on concurrent advances in rolling stock technology, digitalization efforts, and integrated network planning that positions rail as the preferred choice for sustainable transportation.
According to the IEA, rail transports around 7 percent of global passenger-km and 6 percent of tonne-km but accounts for only around 1 percent of transport emissions. This efficiency makes rail a prime candidate for further electrification to maximize sustainability. Solutions such as hybrid locomotives, biofuels, and hydrogen-powered trains play a vital role in reducing emissions in areas where full electrification is not feasible.
Comprehensive policy frameworks - including electrification mandates, fiscal measures such as congestion charges and emission taxes, and sustainability targets - are unlocking long-term investments in rail infrastructure.
Digitization is reshaping the rail industry3 through AI, IoT, and big data analytics, enabling predictive maintenance, network optimization, and enhanced levels of operational efficiency.
With the rail market expected to grow 3 percent annually to €240.8 billion by 2029, the sector is entering a period of rapid innovation, driven by sustainability imperatives and evolving mobility needs. The steady progression toward automation and autonomous systems promises to deliver reliability and safety across rail networks.
Major economies are committing substantial capital to expand high-speed rail networks, while passenger experience enhancement through smart technologies and personalized services is redefining travel expectations and, in some cases, offering a viable alternative to air transport on some routes.
The maintenance of rail infrastructure is encountering significant challenges that demand urgent attention to maintain sustainable, efficient, and dependable operations. With the pace of change rapidly increasing, infrastructure managers must take proactive and decisive action to address these issues and safeguard the performance and resilience of their networks.
In meeting these challenges, ABB builds on its heritage and deep expertise which saw it pioneer the electrification of rail technology more than a century ago, beginning with developing and building electric trains for the Swiss and Swedish rail networks. Today, ABB's comprehensive rail technology portfolio includes:
ABB's comprehensive portfolio of propulsion technology, including traction motors, batteries, battery chargers, and converters are at the heart of sustainable rail propulsion, delivering high efficiency power that minimizes energy consumption across electric and hybrid operations. Electric motors for example, typically operate at 90% efficiency, compared to the 35-45% efficiency of diesel engines.
The Enviline Energy Recuperation System (ERS) captures and delivers surplus braking energy back to the grid, dramatically reducing overall energy consumption while enhancing network resilience.
ABB's retrofit and service solutions are designed to increase return on investment and keep equipment operating at the highest efficiency and productivity level throughout its entire lifetime.
ABB's digital twin technology and data analytics platforms enable comprehensive network optimization, breaking down operational silos and fostering real-time collaboration between infrastructure managers and operators. Predictive maintenance systems utilize advanced sensors and AI to optimize maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and maximizing asset productivity.
ABB’s renewable energy integration capabilities ensure sustainable power sourcing. They collectively enable the development of integrated, efficient, and sustainable rail networks essential for meeting 2050 decarbonization targets.
ABB's traction converters and Pro Series traction batteries address the decarbonization challenge through two distinct applications: full battery-powered trains for Metra and hydrogen passenger trains for Caltrans. This showcases ABB's flexible rail technology portfolio enabling zero-emission solutions across different operational requirements.
ABB played a key role in the REM project by supplying customized electrification and automation solutions to support the fully electric light rail system in Montréal. This included the development of a unique cable tray expansion joint system for the South Shore branch and the provision of critical components such as BORDLINE® M75 auxiliary converters, AC/DC relays, and circuit breakers to power and protect the trains.
The Müller Technologie project exemplifies ABB's retrofitting solutions and energy management systems extending asset lifecycles by 25 years. The three-mode operation (overhead lines, batteries, diesel generator) directly addresses the challenge of optimizing existing infrastructure while minimizing CO2 emissions.
The Gornergrat Railway takes its guests from Zermatt to a mountain ridge with a breathtaking panorama. To maximize this experience, 45 million Swiss francs have been invested in five new Polaris multiple units from Stadler, equipped with efficient traction converters from ABB.
This partnership features ABB's Traction Battery Pro Series enabling sustainable operations on partially electrified lines, directly solving the infrastructure capacity challenge. The 15-year service agreement demonstrates ABB's commitment to long-term asset optimization, while the battery-electric multiple units contribute to the decarbonization efforts of the Czech Republic's rail network.
When ÖBB decided to renew its aging maintenance fleet, it ordered innovative hybrid vehicles that will support its transition to carbon neutrality. The new vehicles will be supplied by Plasser & Theurer who chose ABB to provide state-of-the-art traction converters and high-performance lithium-ion batteries for 51 vehicles.
ABB India is playing a key role in powering the Chenab Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world. Our team has successfully delivered, tested, and commissioned 33kV and 11kV GIS panels as part of the E&M package in the USBRL Jammu section. In addition our lighting and ventilation systems power its extensive tunnel network as well as our ArTuK panels.
ABB will provide low voltage power components, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and central battery systems to support the four HS2 state-of-the-art transport hubs at London Euston, Old Oak Common, Interchange, and Birmingham Curzon Street.
ABB traction battery technology has enabled 44 Adelaide Metro train sets to be converted to diesel-hybrid operation, with a further 6 sets to be converted in the coming months. The solution has reduced noise and emissions to improve the travel experience for the nearly 16 million commuters a year who use the service.
These customer cases collectively demonstrate ABB's core technologies solving the fundamental challenges of reducing CO2 emissions, asset lifecycle extension, and infrastructure optimization across diverse global markets and applications. In this way, we help the rail industry outrun- leaner and cleaner.