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Smart Railway Energy Hubs
Future railway networks need smarter energy systems capable of integrating renewable energy, storing excess electricity, and supporting both railway operations and the wider power grid.
The solutions
Europe’s Rail (EU-Rail) has developed two demonstrations to explore innovative approaches for smarter and more sustainable railway energy management. Furthermore, it developed an Energy Hub.
Energy Hub with Alternating Current-Side Energy Storage
Demonstrator – Słonice, Poland
The project goal is to develop a railway energy hub integrating Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and energy storage to improve grid stability, reduce CO₂ emissions, and optimise energy flows.
The Solution: Install a 15 kV Alternating Current (AC)-side energy storage system (2 MW / 4 MWh), managed by an Energy Management System (EMS), enabling Passenger Vehicles integration and the provision of grid services.
Did you know?
What it does
The energy hub manages energy flows between railway infrastructure and station services, uses RES, and supports grid stability while enabling energy-saving strategies.
Maturity level
Maturity level: 5 (Ready for testing from 2027)
Expected benefits
- Lower energy costs and Co2 emissions
- Increased use of RES
- Greater grid flexibility and integration of new technologies such as EV charging.
Basic Railway Energy Hub for connecting Additional Renewable Energy Sources
Demonstrator – Nasielsk,Poland
The project goal is to develop a railway energy hub model as a localised power grid integrated with renewable energy sources (RES), reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing RES penetration near railway infrastructure, and creating a new local balancing area.
The Solution: A pilot energy hub based on Li-ion storage, serving as a local power and RES integration point, supported by advanced automation systems and energy-efficient components.
Did you know?
What it does
The hub collects operational data and tests algorithms at Nasielsk. It charges from RES, supports the local grid during peak demand, and helps maintain voltage stability in the railway traction system.
Maturity level
Maturity level: 5 (Ready for testing from 2027)
Expected benefits
- Cleaner energy
- Greater use of renewable energy sources (RES)
- Improved grid stability
- Increased energy efficiency
- The creation of local balancing areas.
The Energy Hub
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
The two demonstrations developed in Poland by EU-Rail show how railway energy hubs can support the integration of renewable energy sources, improve energy management, and contribute to more stable and efficient railway power systems.
This Energy Hub solution contributes 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 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
The scope of FP4-Rail4Earth covers the sustainable and green rail system including rolling stock, infrastructure, stations, and their sub-systems.