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Battery Substation by Strukton

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Power, Sustainability

The flexible solution for expanding public transport without major infrastructure works

Good public transport is essential for liveable and attractive cities. Trains, metros and trams are running more frequently and are becoming increasingly busy. To enable this growth, existing networks need to be expanded. This is often complex, expensive and can cause disruption for local residents.

Strukton offers a smart alternative: the Battery Substation.

Smart energy management for rail systems

A Battery Substation stores energy for trains, metros and trams. Unlike a traditional substation, it not only supplies power but also stores energy that is released when a vehicle brakes.

Because a Battery Substation does not require a direct connection to the electricity grid, it can be placed very flexibly. Even in locations without any utilities. This allows energy to be available exactly where it is needed most.

Key benefits

  • Expansion without major infrastructure changes – The Battery Substation supplies additional energy at strategic locations. This often removes the need to reinforce overhead lines or other rail components. As a result, service frequencies can be increased without major infrastructure works.
  • Reduced energy consumption – When a vehicle brakes, energy is released. The Battery Substation stores this energy and makes it available again for another vehicle. This reduces overall energy consumption and makes rail transport more sustainable and efficient.
  • Support during disruptions – In the event of a failure or during maintenance, a Battery Substation can temporarily supply power. This improves network availability and helps keep services running during unexpected situations.
  • Lower peak loads during rush hours – During peak hours, many vehicles operate at the same time, increasing power demand. The Battery Substation can supplement the supply with stored energy, reducing the load on the fixed electricity grid.
  • Reliable power supply – When a vehicle accelerates, extra power is required immediately. The Battery Substation can deliver this power instantly, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations.
  • Easy integration with renewable energy – The Battery Substation can easily be combined with renewable energy sources such as solar panels. Surplus energy can be stored and used later, for example during peak periods. This ensures optimal use of renewable energy.
  • Compact and powerful – With a footprint of only 6 square metres, the Battery Substation is extremely compact. Despite its size, it delivers the same power as a conventional substation.
  • Improved safety – Because less current flows through the rails, touch voltage is reduced. This improves safety for passengers, staff and the surrounding area.

“The Battery Substation by Strukton enables the growth of public transport in a smart, sustainable and flexible way – without major interventions and with maximum impact.”

Expertises

Power

Questions?

Robert Galjaard

Innovator

robert.galjaard@strukton.com

06 29 04 14 57

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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

What does the future of sustainability in infrastructure look like?

By 2050, the infrastructure sector aims to be fully climate‑neutral. This future includes:

  • A robust, climate‑resilient infrastructure network designed for extreme weather.
  • A fully emission‑free construction fleet.
  • Circular material chains where components are reused at scale.
  • Rail as a leading sustainable mobility system, supported by smart energy management and low‑carbon construction methods.
  • Infrastructure that integrates nature, supports biodiversity and ensures safe mobility for everyone.

The transition is already underway, driven by innovation, collaboration and long‑term thinking.

What is zero‑emission equipment in infrastructure construction?

Zero‑emission equipment refers to machinery that operates without producing exhaust gases, typically powered by electricity or batteries. Examples include:

  • Electric locomotives and battery locomotives
  • Electric cranes and rail‑road (Krol) vehicles
  • Electric vans and support vehicles

This equipment eliminates local emissions, improves air quality around work sites, reduces noise pollution and helps clients comply with increasingly strict sustainability requirements.

Which sustainable innovations are being used in modern rail and civil engineering projects?

Infrastructure projects increasingly rely on advanced sustainable technologies, such as:

  • 100% recycled copper contact wire, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 92%.
  • Geopolymer concrete, offering 50–80% CO₂ savings compared to traditional mixes.
  • Electric and battery‑powered locomotives for maintenance and logistics.
  • Circular overhead‑line foundations and poles made from low‑impact concrete.
  • The Energy Bank, an innovative click‑and‑go substation that captures and reuses regenerative braking energy.
  • Circular viaduct and bridge concepts, enabling reuse instead of demolition.

These innovations drive measurable environmental benefits throughout the asset lifecycle.

How can CO₂ emissions be reduced in infrastructure projects?

CO₂‑reduction is achieved through a combination of clean construction methods and material innovation. Key strategies include:

  • Deploying zero‑emission machinery such as electric cranes, electric rail‑road vehicles (Krols), electric vans and battery‑powered locomotives.
  • Integrating circular concrete, geopolymer concrete, and recycled materials to lower embodied carbon.
  • Collaborating across the supply chain — from client to contractor to materials supplier — to scale circular and low‑carbon solutions.

These measures not only reduce carbon emissions but help create more resilient, future‑proof infrastructure.

What does sustainability mean in the rail and civil infrastructure sector?

Sustainability in rail and civil engineering focuses on reducing environmental impact across the entire lifecycle of infrastructure. This includes using emission‑free equipment, circular and recycled materials, and designing assets with a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements. Reusing structural components—such as circular viaduct beams or recycled copper contact wires for overhead lines—significantly reduces CO₂ emissions while conserving valuable raw materials.

How do converter stations and feeder stations support modern rail operations?

Converter stations and feeder stations ensure that rail networks receive the correct voltage and frequency, even as traffic intensifies or train weights increase. Mobile and permanent installations provide flexibility, strengthen weak network sections and support international rail corridors with varying technical requirements.

What types of power‑supply systems are used to provide reliable energy for rail transport?

Reliable rail transport depends on dedicated AC and DC power‑supply systems, including converter stations, feeder stations, traction‑power substations and mobile energy‑supply units. These systems enable stable and resilient power delivery for heavy rail, metro, tram and light‑rail networks across Europe.

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