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EU-Rail at InnoTrans 2026 — Highlights of the Day 1 (22 September)
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The Energy Hub
Challenge
Urban energy and transport systems face key challenges such as grid congestion, energy waste, and peak electricity demand management. Efficiency and reliability of tram and metro networks, as well as integration of renewable energy sources for their exploitation are requiring targeted solutions.
The solution
The energy hub is a compact battery system connected to the catenary network of the tram and metro system. With its 690 kWh it increases the capacity of the existing public transport network by enabling more efficient use of energy. The system stores excess electricity during periods of high supply and feeds it back during peak demand, thereby reducing grid congestion.
Readiness for Industrialisation and Deployment
Two energy hubs have been realised, both in Rotterdam. The developments of the solution are completed, the Hub is ready for commercial exploitation. Infrastructure managers can order, install and exploit the product. And they are doing so in the Netherlands.
Maturity level
TRL 9 (Actual system proven in operational environment)
Expected benefits
For infrastructure managers, the system helps avoid costly grid reinforcements by making more effective use of the existing traction power infrastructure. It reduces peak loads on the traction grid by absorbing and supplying energy during demand peaks, using recovered braking energy. In addition, it mitigates undervoltage hotspots between substations, thereby improving overall system reliability. For railway operators, it enables higher tram frequencies during regular service expansions and major events. By capturing and reusing braking energy, it can reduce overall energy consumption by approximately 30%. The system also enhances operational reliability by stabilising catenary voltage and supports multimodal mobility by enabling the charging of electric buses, cars, and other electric transport modes.
Who benefits
Infrastructure Managers
Railway operators
Suppliers
Final users
Conclusion
This solution contribute in ensuring higher efficiency and reliability of tram and metro networks, as well as a better integration of renewable energy sources for their exploitation. It benefit the railway and infrastructure operators, as well as regional grid operators, municipalities and passengers. It actively lowers grid congestion, and supplies power to the environment surrounding the Energy Hub. It also supports multimodal mobility by enabling on-site bus charging for seamless transport connections.
Learn more about the project
FP4-Rail4Earth
This solution has been developed within the Europe’s Rail (EU-Rail) Flagship Project FP4-Rail4Earth. The project aims to is to improve the existing sustainability performance of railways, to build a more attractive and resilient transport mode and to contribute towards the objectives of a climate neutral Europe for 2050.