DB Schenker Rail UK has outlined plans to introduce carbon free rail freight services for customers using trains hauled by electric locomotives, further improving the environmental credibility of rail freight.

Working with Renewable Energy Systems (RES), one of the world’s largest renewable energy developers, DB Schenker Rail UK is proposing 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 discussions with Neath & Port Talbot Council regarding the scheme.

The energy generated by the turbines would be enough to power a ‘green fleet’ of DB Schenker Rail UK’s Class 92 electric locomotives. The electricity would be sold to Network Rail for use in the overhead power cables and in doing so, DB Schenker Rail UK will be able to offer customers ‘carbon free’ rail freight services in the UK by the end of the year.

Alain Thauvette, Chief Executive of DB Schenker Rail UK, 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.”

Mr Thauvette continued:  “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.”

Carbon free freight trains would operate 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.  RES and DB Schenker Rail will submit their proposals for planning approval during the spring.