News about global railway electrification strategy, projects and contracts.
SNCF-designed electrification among £3bn of HS2 railway systems contracts let
UK: High Speed 2 project promoter HS2 Ltd announced the award of more than £3bn of track and railway systems contracts on November 27.
Tri-mode trains launch South Wales Metro electric services
UK: Transport for Wales put its Stadler Class 756 tri-mode multiple-units into passenger service on November 18, launching electric operation as part of the South Wales Metro programme to upgrade lines around Cardiff.
Legal changes aim to streamline Californian rail electrification projects
USA: The Governor of California has signed legislation designed to accelerate electrification by exempting zero-emission railway projects on existing lines from requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, which can lead to legal delays.
Trial suggests batteries could reduce inter-city train fuel costs by up to 50%
UK: Trials with an inter-city electro-diesel trainset retrofitted with a traction battery in place of one of its engines achieved fuel cost savings of 35% to 50%, surpassing predictions of up to 30%, while meeting performance requirements and supporting zero-emission operation around stations.
Dublin commuter rail enhancement design contract awarded
IRELAND: Iarnród Éireann has awarded AtkinsRéalis a contract to provide design services for the DART+ West and South West projects, which are part of the DART+ programme to expand the Dublin Area Rapid Transit network of electrified commuter rail services.
Solar farms could power London Underground trains
UK: Transport for London has called tenders for the development of purpose-built solar photovoltaic farms to generate zero-carbon electricity for the London Underground network.
Discontinuous electrification selected for East West Rail
Eifel railway electrification begins
Recycled copper contact wire to be installed
Turkish electrification firm targets UK rail market
Railway electrification training body launched
Valle d’Aosta electric train unveiled
Cottbus – Görlitz route modernisation agreed
Euregiobahn electrification funded
Chiltern Railways cancels call for battery train proposals
Interview: Chiltern Railways is ‘focused on what we can control’
Caltrain launches electric passenger service
Five electrified railway lines at risk from climate change
Bayern to award electric-hydrogen-battery tilting train operating contract
Tyne & Wear Metro SCADA contract awarded