Rail world sets out agenda for next surge in electric action

The rail industry has been taking a strateigic view about how a greater and more efficeint use of electric power can improve performance, save money and further enhance the mode’s green credentials. Peter Stonham reviews the latest thinking.

For railway systems  there are a range of areas of activity to improve electric traction efficiency with both short, medium and long-term horizons. They range from grid-wide issues including harnessing wasted power and returning it for re-use, to adopting the latest hybrid technology from the automotive sector.

A report this year on an Energy Roadmap for the European Railway Sector, by the European Rail Research Advisory Council looked at a dozen topics ranging from infrastructure and...