In order to determine the most suitable parameters for the operation of battery trains in Latvian conditions, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) in the second half of this year plans to order a feasibility study to assess the technological and economic aspects of the investment, the ministry informed.
The MoU stated that by 2026 it is planned to implement a green traffic reform in Riga and Pieriga, where the railway will be strengthened as the backbone of public transport. One of the railway modernization projects is the purchase of battery trains. The investments of the Recovery Fund are planned both for the modernization and construction of railway sections and for modern rolling stock, envisaging the purchase of battery trains, which is a more environmentally friendly emission-free technology.
The ministry explained that battery trains are currently gaining popularity in Europe as countries strive to meet their climate goals.
Battery trains are equipped with battery or accumulator technology, which allows them to run both on electrified lines or sections, using electricity from the catenary, and on non-electrified lines, using the energy stored in the batteries. Thus, battery trains are a more environmentally friendly solution than diesel trains for citizens whose daily journeys run on non-electrified parts of the rail network. The benefits of battery trains are also felt by those who live close to the railway tracks – such modern trains are quieter and less polluting.
The MoU noted that battery technology is evolving rapidly and that such trains would allow the provision of zero-emission passenger services on non-electrified railway lines. The advantage of battery systems is that there is no need to implement expensive electrification projects on low-intensity lines.
The optimal model of the battery system is the use of battery trains on already electrified lines, when charging takes place during the trip and with the help of batteries it is possible to provide additional mileage even in the non-electrified part without major additional infrastructure improvements, SM revealed.
At the same time, the battery system has its drawbacks – only relatively short distances, because the energy consumption of trains with current battery technology does not provide a sufficient distance for the train, but under favorable conditions, manufacturers already promise to fully charge more than 100 kilometers. The batteries make up the extra weight of the train, and replacing and disposing of the batteries can cause additional problems, the ministry said.
Battery trains are widely used in Austria, Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Japan. Battery trains are also being used in Denmark, France and Hungary. Lithuania also plans to use battery trains.
The ministry claimed that Latvia had contributed to the history of battery train construction. The design of the contact battery electric locomotive was made at the public design office of the Baltic Railway Scientific and Technical Association in Riga. In 1966-67, ten locomotives of this series were manufactured in Dnepropetrovsk, six of them were used in Latvia. The exhibit at the Railway Museum has worked in the Zasulauka depot. The locomotive has been used for shunting operations and driving collection trains in the Riga area, both in electrified and non-electrified sections using batteries.
As reported, the European Commission (EC) approved the Latvian Recovery Fund plan in the amount of 1.8 billion euros, of which 295 million euros are planned to be invested in the reform of the Riga and Pieriga public transport system.
The specific reform aims to reduce the negative impact of transport on the quality of the capital’s environment and to allow the development of integrated public transport services that meet the needs of the population.
By encouraging residents to switch from private to public transport, it is planned to ensure the integration of urban public transport with railway stations. The route network and timetable will be synchronized and integrated, while improving connections at railway stations. These changes will make it easier for passengers to connect different modes of transport.
By attracting funding from the Rehabilitation Fund, it is planned to strengthen the role of rail transport – railways and trams – in Riga and Pieriga. Investments are planned to improve the speed of public transport by integrating rail with other modes of transport. Until 2026, the available investments will be concentrated on the development of five multimodal transport corridors. The Ministry of Transport will also continue the development of the Riga-Bolderāja railway line.
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