Network Rail has completed a set of engineering works in the Eastern Region that produced zero carbon emissions for the first time.
Teams worked over four nights to complete overhead line equipment renewals at Royston station, avoiding traditional diesel-powered generators and rail equipment.
Instead, they used hybrid rail engineering vehicles in battery mode, welfare facilities powered by batteries, and battery and solar-powered tower lighting throughout the site.
An 80Kw battery pack was on site to power the facilities and charge 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.
Network Rail aims to reach 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 and 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.”
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