It is widely acknowledged that the transportation sector is one of the more significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, such emissions themselves contributing heavily to climate change. The transport industry is responsible for 25% of global emissions and, therefore, must take an active role in implementing a solution. Transport via rail is currently the most sustainable form of travel, but international rail manufacturer, Stadler, is committed to developing sustainable and innovative measures to benefit the whole sector.

Stadler is a company deeply aware of the responsibility facing its industry. Deputy CEO, Doctor Ansgar Brockemyer, notes the sector’s emissions and explains, “That’s why we have to pay our contribution and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases.” As a rail vehicle manufacturer, Stadler is in a strong position to ensure its contribution is effective, all too aware of the sustainable advantages of trains. 

“The railway is an ideal ambassador for green technology in terms of public engagement,” says Stadler Project Manager, Claudia Wish, “because trains are highly visible, and they touch the everyday lives of many people.” Fellow Project Manager, Stefan Bernsdorf, also comments, “Trains have the potential to replace short-distance flights, quite untapped potential today to move cargo from the road to the rail.” The sustainable advantages of trains can, on a passenger level, come down to numbers: twenty people all with individual vehicles leads to a worse carbon footprint than twenty people in one bus or train after all. Yet, building on the sustainable benefits of rail, Stadler is also committed to innovating the sector, developing new solutions to encourage optimisation. In this spirit, Stadler’s attention is firmly on the potential of battery technology – a historical point of focus for the company, whose very founder, Ernst Stadler, spent time developing the concept as early as 1943.

Historically, the transportation sector has struggled to break away from the fossil fuel industry. The push for electrification is hastening this separation, but the ability to store fossil-based fuels like gas or petrol before and in-between their use has proved a significant hurdle when contemplating the shift to renewable sources of energy – which have not been as easily stored. However, with the development of battery technology, this challenge is being overcome. “Today, battery technology has developed.” Explains Doctor Brockemyer, “The technology itself, so the cell technology has improved in terms of efficiency, in terms of weight, and in terms of capacity.” Such developments have revealed the potential of this technology for the transportation sector; potential that Stadler is determined to make use of.

Stadler’s trains are designed with a modular approach that proves ideal for sustainable overhaul. “We can exchange the propulsion system,” Says Stefan Bernsforf, “The drive system from fossil power to a renewable system without impacting the passenger comfort at all.” A diesel generator can be replaced with a fuel cell and hydrogen storage with minimal effort. Hydrogen is the power source for Sadler’s new designs, a decision that has led to significant ecological benefits. “By using hydrogen as fuel in the vehicle, the emissions of not only CO2 but also harmful substances are completely eliminated.” The benefits afforded by battery technology extend beyond how they expend energy, with charging a viable option as well. Doctor Brockemyer explains, “Today we can charge the batteries not only in the depot overnight, but we can also charge the batteries while we are recuperating, while we are braking. So, we can convert the kinetic energy from the train into electric energy in the battery, and that’s also a new development.” 

Stadler’s commitment to production, coupled with the growing trend of electrification in regions like the European Union – where approximately 55% of state railway track is electrified – has led to significant results. “We have produced electric trains, battery trains, hydrogen trains,” explains Doctor Brockemyer, “and these trains bring us now into a position where we call ourselves the market and the technology leader because no other supplier has more vehicles in the field with that respective sustainable technology.” 

Stadler has been known as a provider of sustainable trains for 80 years and shows no signs of giving up. CEO, Peter Spuhler’s determination is palpable as he discusses the company’s future. “Stadler has always been a company that has developed very innovative and very customer-focused vehicle concepts. We will continue to push this philosophy and strategy in the next few years, especially in the area of green technology, which includes electric drives, trains with batteries and hydrogen-powered trains.” Rail exists today as a sustainable alternative for individuals and companies who wish to make climate-conscious travel and shipping decisions. Stadler, through its work with hydrogen power sources and battery technology, is pioneering a future that will benefit everyone.