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Electric work locomotive heralds new step towards more sustainable rail sector

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Date

13 March 2019

Expertise

Sustainability

Think of the energy transition and the move to rail transportation immediately springs to mind.

 

Rail is after all one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport. But the rail sector itself can also be more energy-efficient. For example, Friesland’s provincial councils have decided that the railways must achieve zero-emissions by 2025. Electrification is a key word in this. Numerous carriers and other rail companies are investing in trains powered by batteries and hydrogen. But rail contractors still lag behind. The reason: The tracks including overhead lines are mostly taken out of service when they are working there. That leaves the rail contractor dependent on diesel.

Strukton wants to change this, and is converting an old NS locomotive (1600 series) for its own use. Strukton aims for maximum circularity in its re-use of the old locomotive. Strukton is to use the locomotive for transport jobs, with it taking power from the overhead voltage line. Overhead line electricity in the Netherlands comes from wind energy, making it 100% green.

“We regard the introduction of this electric locomotive as a new step in making the rail sector more sustainable. That sustainability is twofold: the electric work locomotive is both good for the climate and healthier for the employees.” Aad Onderwater, Business Manager Logistics with Strukton Rail Nederland

Strukton is putting the locomotive into service at the Strukton workshop in collaboration with JF Techniek. There it will be rebuilt technically to be fully operational, and will be fitted with new wheels, among other things. Strukton plans to have the electrical locomotive operational during the course of this year.

Battery train

The next step in innovation and sustainability will be expanding the electric locomotive’s abilities with a battery, enabling it to run independently from the overhead lines. The company will depend on its own knowledge for this innovation. Strukton Rolling Stock, specialist in power electronics in rail-bound vehicles, is working with several parties on developing battery and hydrogen trains. For example, it is developing the power electronics for the British operator Vivarail, which is converting diesel trains to hydrogen and battery for Britain’s non-electrified railway lines.

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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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