Tuesday 2 Nov 2021
Video: Green train goes Forth to mark COP26 in Glasgow
- Region & Route:
- National
Network Rail and Vivarail have released stunning aerial shots of the first emission-free fully-electric train to cross the iconic Forth Bridge as the United Nations Climate Change Conference takes place in Glasgow.
The eyes of the world are on Scotland as world leaders gather to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
As part of COP26, Network Rail is demonstrating its commitment to decarbonising Britain’s railway and supporting the UK and Scottish Governments’ net-zero goals with a showcase of two green technologies which are vital to rail’s part in tackling climate change.
Two innovative new trains will run during the conference as part of Network Rail’s Green Trains @COP26 event; showcasing the range of green ways to power trains including batteries, hydrogen and electricity.
These technologies have been identified as important elements of plans to make rail even greener, as highlighted in Network Rail’s interim Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy.
British company Vivarail has designed and manufactured pure battery and battery hybrid trains, as well as innovative charging technology, and their next generation train is capable of achieving a range of up to 100km and recharges in only 10 minutes.
The flexibility of batteries mean this package can be used to repurpose good quality diesel units or added to other types of electric train so that they’re capable of travelling on parts of the network not yet electrified.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Vivarail has used its Class 230 trains (which previously ran London’s District Line as the D78 stock) to prove the concept. The battery traction and charging package can be used on other trains with a higher speed – opening up new swathes of the network. The Class 230 trains are ideal for branch lines and shuttle services. Battery technology has a wider application and Vivarail is excited to talk about that on its daily showcase services throughout COP26.
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