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    Current newsletter
    RMR Newsletter March 2024
    Stay ahead this March with the fresh RMR Newsletter! ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  
    RailMarketResearch

    March 2024

    Dear Reader,


    Rail transport is valued not only for its lower CO2 emissions, but also for its efficiency and lower air pollution compared to road transport. Ongoing efforts to modernise rail vehicles and infrastructure play a crucial role in further reducing CO2 emissions. New technologies such as electric and hydrogen-powered trains and improved routing are helping to make rail transport even more environmentally friendly.
    But the sector's efforts do not end here: research projects are constantly working on methods or materials to save even more CO2 and reduce the ecological footprint of rail transport. 
    We present three of these projects in this month's newsletter. 



    Enjoy reading and see you next month!

    Research Projects

    Fossil-Free Track Work Machinery

    In collaboration with Plasser & Theurer, the leading provider of track-work machinery worldwide, the Institute of Railway Engineering and Transport Economy at TU Graz has undertaken a pioneering research initiative. This project marks the first comprehensive examination of all track-work machinery and their operational modes, with a focus on identifying optimal fossil-free alternative drive technologies.

    A key facet of the research involved analyzing the entire fleet of approximately 3,000 auxiliary vehicles in Germany, as part of a broader research endeavor led by the German Centre for Rail Transport Research (DZSF). The overarching goal was to devise an optimized migration strategy towards alternatively powered machines.

    Central to the project's methodology was the utilization of a sophisticated calculation program developed at TU Graz, known as CalCAS (Calculation of Comparison for Alternative Solutions). Leveraging this tool, the research team generated recommendations for alternative propulsion systems tailored to various types of track-work machinery.

    The findings indicate significant potential for the adoption of electric drive technology, particularly for machines with energy demands of up to 800 kilowatt hours (kWh). According to the study, approximately 35 percent of the machinery analyzed could efficiently meet their energy requirements through electric power supplied via overhead lines. This approach is hailed as "definitely the most energy-efficient solution" by experts involved in the project.

    For track-work machinery with energy demands exceeding 800 kWh, a hybrid solution utilizing batteries and overhead lines for charging is recommended in the short to medium term. Looking ahead, the researchers foresee further advancements in the energy sector that could pave the way for the widespread adoption of pure battery solutions.

    Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell technology emerges as a promising alternative for machinery with higher energy demands, offering an efficient and environmentally sustainable solution. In the interim, existing machinery can transition towards greener alternatives such as biofuels or synthetic fuels. Furthermore, the medium-term prospect of employing liquid hydrogen in combination with internal combustion engines presents an avenue for reducing carbon emissions in the rail transport sector.

    By pioneering research in alternative propulsion systems for track-work machinery, this collaborative effort between academia and industry underscores a commitment to sustainability and innovation within the rail transport sector. These findings not only offer practical solutions for reducing carbon footprint but also contribute to the ongoing evolution of sustainable transportation infrastructure on a global scale.

    CO2FREE - Reducing the percentage of CO2 in cement of concrete sleepers

    This project aims to advance the production of prestressed monoblock concrete sleepers through collaboration with technical universities experienced in the manufacturing of such sleepers and concrete structures like bridges. Leveraging the extensive knowledge of these universities, particularly in the utilization of concretes CEM II and CEM III, the project will adhere to established standards such as EN 197 series "Cement," EN 206 "Concrete - Specification, performance, production, and conformity," and IRS 70713 "Recommendations for design and use of prestressed monoblock concrete sleepers."

    The proposed stages of the project include:

    1. Definition of Cements and Concretes: In alignment with relevant standards, the project will define the specifications for cements and concretes necessary for the production of prestressed concrete sleepers.

    2. Laboratory Tests and Field Trials: Comprehensive laboratory testing will be conducted, supplemented by field trials if required, to validate the suitability of selected cements for prestressed concrete sleeper production.

    3. Validation Tests: A list of tests essential for validating cement suitability for prestressed concrete sleepers will be compiled, ensuring compliance with industry standards and project requirements.

    4. Recommended Cements: Identification and documentation of known cements recommended for use in prestressed concrete sleeper production will be provided, offering guidance to stakeholders in the industry.

    DZSF: Potential analysis for small wind turbines along the transport infrastructure

    Description of the research project: Application potential of small wind turbines along the transport infrastructure

    Germany's ambitious climate protection targets require a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The transport infrastructure offers a promising opportunity to generate renewable energy and thus make a significant contribution to reducing emissions. In particular, the combination of wind power and photovoltaic systems along roads and railway lines can contribute to a continuous energy supply. Despite their potential, small wind turbines have played a subordinate role to date.

    Aim of the project:
    The research project aims to determine the application potential of CHP along the transport infrastructure. To this end, the traffic and traffic-related areas are analysed in order to identify suitable locations for the installation of CHP plants. The study takes into account both technical and legal framework conditions. By quantifying the overall installation potential and the associated reduction in emissions, concrete recommendations for action are to be derived.

    Duration and contractor:
    The project started in March 2024 and will run for 14 months. The implementation is in the hands of r2b energy consulting GmbH.

    Utilisation of results:
    The results of the project will serve as a basis for political decision-makers to develop targeted measures to promote CHP. They can also be used to standardise and develop support measures and help to identify the need for further research.

    News


    Call for abstracts: 7th UIC World Congress on Rail Training 2025 now open

    The 7th edition of the World Congress on Rail Training (WCRT) will take place at Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu, China from 9 to 11 April 2025.

    The UIC World Congress on Railway Training (WCRT) is a major event for academic and rail training institutions. It provides a unique opportunity for railway companies, HR and training communities, as well as academic, professional and training associations, to gather and discuss current issues in their field of activity. Organised every two years since 2011, it gathers an average of 200 participants from over 35 countries. The six previous congresses have been held in Madrid, Vienna/St Pölten, Lisbon, Berlin/Potsdam, Rabat and Paris.

    WCRT 2025 is being organised on the initiative of the UIC Expertise Development Platform, which draws its expertise from the regional Railway Training Centres Network (in Europe, Asia and the Middle East). Its main purpose is to enhance workforce development by sharing best practices in rail training across the entire industry.

    The congress is targeted at:

    • Training directors, executives and experts
    • Human resources and human performance and development professionals at all hierarchical layers
    • Railway educational and vocational institutions

    It aims to:

    • Promote excellence in railway training through best practice models.
    • Highlight research findings in this area that bring innovation and have practical applications for the industry.
    • Identify new challenges for training and training technologies.
    • Provide a unique opportunity for training professionals and managers to share knowledge and experience.

    Europe’s Rail Call for Proposals 2024 is open for submissions

    Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking has announced the opening of submissions for the Europe’s Rail Call for Proposals 2024, a pivotal opportunity for the advancement of rail transport within the European Union. With a funding allocation of €21.7 million, this initiative seeks to catalyze groundbreaking projects aimed at revolutionizing the rail industry.


    At the forefront of this call is the ambition to foster collaboration and synergy with the Smart Network and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). A flagship project will be established to address the digitalization and automation of testing and operation validation for the next EU rail communication system. This initiative builds upon the groundwork laid by Europe’s Rail Flagship Area 2 and integrates insights from previous projects such as R2DATO and FutuRe.


    Furthermore, the Call for Proposals aims to leverage the outcomes of the Shift2Rail Innovation Programme 5 and the European Digital Automatic Coupler Delivery Programme. By incorporating the findings of Europe’s Rail Flagship Project 5 TRANS4M-R, the initiative will propel advancements in Full Digital Freight Train Operations, thereby bolstering Flagship Area 5's objectives.


    A notable aspect of this call is its focus on fostering collaboration among hyperloop promoters. By addressing operational, safety, and reliability aspects, as well as assessing economic viability, the initiative aims to drive technology convergence within the hyperloop sector. This strategic endeavor aligns with Flagship Area 7's mission to push the boundaries of innovation in rail transportation.


    With submissions open until 7 May 2024 at 17:00 CET, stakeholders across the rail and transportation sectors are encouraged to contribute their expertise and innovative solutions. By collectively harnessing the power of research, development, and collaboration, Europe’s Rail endeavors to shape the future of rail transport, driving sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity across the continent.

    Events in April

    RailFreight Summit
    Warsaw, Poland

    Transport Research Arena

    Dublin, Ireland

    Railway Diagnostic and Monitoring Conference 2024

    Cologne, Germany

    Hannover Messe

    Hannover, Germany

    ERTMS 2024 Conference

    Valenciennes, France

    Middle East Rail

    Abu Dhabi, UAE

    Featured Research Projects

    We want to connect researchers and interested parties from industry and business and promote the exchange of research results.


    If you are currently working on an exciting research project and would like to present it to a wider audience, please send us an e-mail.

    Reach out now

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    Best regards

    Your RMR-Team

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