Evaluation of traction energy savings in railway sector

Panel: Panel 8: Transport and mobility

Authors:
Gregor Hribar, Genera Lynx d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia
Alexandra Waldmann, Berliner Energieagentur GmbH
Mihael Sekavcnik, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract

Methodologies and steps needed for improved energy performance in building such as performance contracting is confirmed by many successful cases. True, buildings are responsible for important part of overall energy consumption. However, energy consumption in transport rises dramatically and in many countries causes equal or even bigger environmental impact than buildings energy consumption. Rail transport is environmentally friendly mode of transport. Yet in the past years railways has been slower in acknowledging its own needs for efficiency improvements and has lost some of its head start. More intensive use of railways instead of road transport could drastically reduce the environmental impact of the transport sector. For this change improved and cheaper railway services are required. Cheaper railway service could be assured also with lower energy consumption. Investments in railway supply grid, traction technology and in staff education demand financial means. But railways often suffer from a lack of financial means. Performance contracting could be a way to implement those needed efficiency measures. Defining a baseline, critical for success, is even more difficult in railways than in buildings. The paper discusses the methodology of evaluation of energy efficiency improvements on railways: methodology, including defining key factors and their influence, data-collection and technology required for this based on a case study from Slovenian Railways.