Network Rail has completed a set of engineering work at Royston
which, for the first time in its Eastern region, has been carried
out with the worksite producing zero carbon emissions.
Teams worked over four nights to complete overhead line equipment
renewals through the Cambridgeshire station, but traditional,
carbon-intensive, diesel-powered generators and rail equipment
were not used during the work.
Instead, Network Rail has piloted a zero-emission worksite, with
engineers using hybrid rail engineering vehicles operating solely
in battery mode, welfare facilities powered by batteries, and
battery and solar powered tower lighting throughout the site.
Engineers have been working on renewing the overhead line
equipment at the station and the immediate surrounding area. The
work has been designed to make the equipment more resilient which
means that passengers can experience smoother, more reliable
journeys.
On site was an 80Kw battery pack which powered the welfare
facilities and charged the rail vehicles after they had been used
for the work. Engineers also used battery-powered tools, and
materials such as plastics, paper and other consumables were all
recyclable.
This way of working meant that zero carbon emissions were emitted
on the site and is a first for Network Rail in its Eastern
region. The organisation is looking at ways to roll this out
across future engineering worksites after a positive pilot.
Zero emission worksites will aid Network Rail on its way to
reaching its target of being net zero by 2050.
Hamish Critchell-Ward, Environment Manager at Network
Rail, said: “This is a hugely positive step forward for
Network Rail and the rail industry. We’re passionate about
finding better, more environmentally friendly ways of carrying
out essential maintenance and this is a great example of that.
“It has been great to work with industry partners on this
project. Their support has been invaluable in helping this pilot
be as successful as it has been. As we move forward and develop,
Network Rail will continue to work closely with its supply chain
to deliver environmental benefits during its work.
“This is just the beginning for us and we’re confident that this
way of working will expand further into future engineering work.”
Owen Laws, Electrification & Sustainable Development
Project Manager at Network Rail, said: “This project has
been months in the planning and preparation, and I’m delighted
that it has finally come to fruition and been so successful.
“We want this to be a rolling programme of work throughout
Network Rail and I’m looking forward to helping other teams
deliver engineering work projects in a more sustainable way.
“Renewing our overhead line equipment at Royston creates a more
resilient railway network, improves reliability, and means more
reliable journeys for passengers.
