DB Schenker Rail UK to introduce carbon free freight trains

DB Schenker Rail UK is planning to unveil new carbon free rail freight services by the end of the year for customers who use trains hauled by electric locomotives, to improve the environmental credibility of rail freight.

The new service would be operated from London to Scotland on the West and East Coast Main Lines and to Wales on the Great Western Railway once that route is electrified.

The company along with Renewable Energy Systems (RES), a renewable energy developer, intends to build three wind turbines on its land at Margam, near Port Talbot in South Wales, to provide renewable energy to the rail network.

RES is currently in talks with Neath & Port Talbot Council regarding the construction of wind turbines.

The company said that the energy generated by the turbines would be enough to power a 'green fleet' of its Class 92 electric locomotives, and the electricity would be sold to Network Rail for use in the overhead power cables.

DB Schenker Rail UK CEO Alain Thauvette said Deutsche Bahn wishes to reduce its carbon emissions by 20% by 2020.

"This proposal is a significant step forward in delivering this carbon reduction target in the UK, while enabling DB Schenker Rail to provide its customers with Eco Solutions to reduce their carbon emissions," Thauvette said.

"We hope that the local authority and the Welsh Assembly Government will support the development, which would see carbon free freight trains operating to Wales when routes are electrified."