DB Schenker Rail to introduce ‘carbon free’ trains

DB Schenker Rail UK has said it is planning to introduce ‘carbon free’ rail freight services for customers using trains hauled by electric locomotives.

The freight company is proposing to work with Renewable Energy Systems (RES) to build three wind turbines on its land at Margam, near Port Talbot in South Wales.

RES is currently in discussions with Neath & Port Talbot Council regarding the scheme, which could provide renewable energy to the rail network.

The energy generated by the turbines would be enough to power a ‘green fleet’ of DB Schenker Rail UK’s Class 92 electric locomotives, operating from London to Scotland on the West and East Coast Main Lines and to Wales on the Great Western Railway once that route is electrified.

The electricity would be sold to Network Rail for use in the overhead power cables and in doing so, DB Schenker Rail UK will be able to offer customers ‘carbon free’ rail freight services in the UK by the end of the year.

Alain Thauvette, Chief Executive of DB Schenker Rail UK, said:

“Deutsche Bahn wishes to reduce its carbon emissions by 20% by 2020. This proposal is a significant step forward in delivering this carbon reduction target in the UK, while enabling DB Schenker Rail to provide its customers with Eco Solutions to reduce their carbon emissions.”