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SMRT Trains, in partnership with Hitachi Rail, has launched a groundbreaking project utilizing Green Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) Next Generation technology to enhance energy efficiency across Singapore’s rail network. The initiative aligns with SMRT’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and represents a major stride in advancing sustainable urban transport.
The Green CBTC system leverages Hitachi Rail’s SelTrac™ signalling technology, incorporating advanced data analytics and energy-saving automation. This technology optimizes traction energy, which accounts for about 50% of SMRT’s total energy consumption, by automating key functions such as acceleration, braking, and coasting. The system, already deployed for re-signalling on Singapore’s North-South Line (NSL) and East-West Line (EWL), introduces innovative energy efficiency measures.
Following the successful completion of Phase 1, the project has demonstrated an 8% reduction in energy usage for automatic train operations. This translates to annual savings of over 15 million kWh—enough to power approximately 3,000 households. Looking ahead, SMRT and Hitachi Rail aim to achieve up to a 15% reduction in traction energy consumption within the next two years.
“We are encouraged by the energy savings achieved through this collaboration with Hitachi Rail,” said Lam Sheau Kai, President of SMRT Trains. “Our target is to exceed a 15% annual reduction in traction power consumption, making train travel on the NSEWL greener and more sustainable.”
Ziad Rizk, Managing Director, Urban Rail Signalling at Hitachi Rail, highlighted the partnership’s success: “This energy-saving-as-a-service initiative enhances power efficiency without impacting passenger services, contributing significantly to sustainable urban transit.”
SMRT and Hitachi Rail plan to build on this momentum, exploring additional improvements in operational efficiency as part of their commitment to Singapore’s sustainability goals. |
