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Hitachi Rail and SMRT Trains Achieved Additional 8% Energy Savings on Singapore's NSEW Lines with Green CBTC Next Gen technology

Press release -

Hitachi Rail and SMRT Trains Achieved Additional 8% Energy Savings on Singapore's NSEW Lines with Green CBTC Next Gen technology

  • SMRT Trains and Hitachi Rail’s collaborative Green CBTC Next Gen signalling project supports SMRT’s sustainability goal to reach net zero by 2050
  • Green CBTC Next Gen algorithms leverage advanced data analytics capabilities within the SelTrac™ CBTC signalling system, to reduce energy consumption across Singapore’s North-South and East-West lines (NSEWL)
  • First phase of the project has achieved additional 8% energy savings for automatic trains on NSEWL, on top of Green CBTC features first introduced in 2017. Annual additional savings are more than 15M kWh, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of about 3000 households annually.

Hitachi Rail and SMRT have announced the completion of the Phase 1 Milestone of their Next-Generation Green Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) project at the SITCE Exhibition in Singapore. The project achieved an additional 8% energy savings for automatic trains, and marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to enhance sustainable urban transportation. Annual savings are more than 15M kWh, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of about 3000 households annually.

In 2023, SMRT Trains and Hitachi Rail partnered on the project to support SMRT’s goal to attain net zero by 2050.

The Green CBTC Next Gen technology leverages advanced data analytics capabilities within the SelTrac™ signalling system to optimize energy usage, enabling operators such as SMRT, to achieve traction energy savings and contribute to environmental objectives.

Hitachi Rail deployed SelTrac™ CBTC for the re-signalling of Singapore’s North-South Line (NSL) and East-West Line (EWL) in 2017 and 2018 respectively and has introduced Green CBTC features in the NSEWL network. The signalling system is responsible for the automatic control of the traction such as acceleration, braking and coasting.

With traction power accounting for 50% of energy with the SMRT Train’s network, Green CBTC Next Gen allows for the reduction in traction power by utilizing data analytics, inherently making passenger rides on the NSEWL greener.

Both entities will continue to focus on in-depth studies to further improve operational efficiency.

Mr Lam Sheau Kai, President, SMRT Trains, said: “We are encouraged by the positive energy savings achieved through our partnership with Hitachi Rail. Looking ahead, we are excited to target, and potentially exceed, a 15% reduction in annual traction power consumption over the next two years, making travel on the NSEWL more sustainable and greener.”

Ziad Rizk, Director, Urban Rail Signalling, Hitachi Rail, said: “SMRT and Hitachi Rail have a long-standing partnership in Singapore and together we are now making passenger journeys greener than ever. This project, designed as energy saving-as-a-service, allows for greater power efficiency without disrupting passenger services, marking a pivotal step towards more sustainable urban transit system.”

ENDS


For more information from Hitachi Rail, please contact: Ed Brown on +44 7850 071 287 and ed.brown@hitachirail.com or Chloe Jackson on +1 (647) 201 4383 and chloe.jackson@urbanandmainlines.com

For more information from SMRT, please contact SMRT Corporate Communications on +65 9822 0902 or media@smrt.com.sg

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About Hitachi Rail

Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport.

With revenues of over €7bn and 24,000 employees across more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to the world’s best transport organisations. The company's reach is global, but the business is local - with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities. 

Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban, mainline and freight rail ecosystems – from high quality manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signalling, smart operations and payment systems.

Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high speed bullet train, draws on the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with over 270,000 employees and global revenues of €54.55bn / ¥8,564 bn.

For more information, visit hitachirail.com

Contacts

Ed Brown

Ed Brown

Global Media Relations +44 7850 071287