Decarbonising the transport sector is crucial to achieve net zero, especially given it accounts for 25 percent of global carbon emissions. Rail, an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, plays a vital role in this effort.
Hitachi Rail, committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition, has developed “Blues” for Trenitalia (Italian State Railways Group —– the largest railway operator in Italy). As of December 2023, 46 sets of Blues trains have been delivered to Trenitalia. Currently they are in use across eight regions, including Tuscany, Sardinia, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Calabria.
“Blues” is the first vehicle in Europe to have three different power sources (electricity, diesel and battery), allowing it to operate seamlessly on electrified and non-electrified lines. This can reduce CO₂ emissions by 50 percent compared to existing diesel vehicles.
On electrified routes, it uses pantographs to draw power from the overhead lines. However, when it moves to non-electrified routes, a combination of battery and diesel power takes over. When it is near a station, the batteries power the train completely, eliminating emissions and reducing noise pollution. The battery is able to recharge while the train is in operation, both in diesel and electric mode.
“The Blues train represents a significant technological challenge, as it is the first-ever tribrid train to enter passenger service in Europe. This train is equipped with cutting-edge technology, ushering in a new generation of transportation.” Cosimo Li Greci, Project Manager.
The introduction of the Blues train not only works towards a new era of sustainable rail travel but also elevates the passenger experience. Spacious windows make the interior brighter, journey times are reduced, and innovative air conditioning systems optimise usage based on the number of passengers aboard. In addition, the car body is made of materials that can be recycled. In collaboration with Trenitalia, the purpose was to create a train that was environmentally friendly both to the environment and its passengers.
Approximately 40 percent of train lines in Europe are not electrified, and due to costly infrastructure, this is not likely to change. Tribrid technology offers an immediate solution to decarbonise rail travel, by innovating with our partners, together we can achieve a sustainable future.
“European countries are striving for decarbonisation in transportation, and I believe that delivering Blues globally can achieve that goal.”
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