Mitigation of GHG-emissions in railway construction

The key findings and recommendations of the study are summarized as follows:

• Integration of ecological criteria into the procurement model significantly accelerates the decarbonization of railway construction activities. Compared to the baseline scenario of “no incentive” (i.e., allowing the market to self-regulate), greenhouse gas emissions savings can be increased by up to 38% by 2060.
• Tamping and leveling machines, dual-mode applications, and large reconstruction machines account for around 60% of the fleet’s total energy consumption. The first two categories, in particular, represent significant potential for near-term decarbonization, making it essential to prioritize strategies targeting these machine types.
• A gradual transition to biodiesel and hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO) would require up to 1.2 million liters annually for the Austrian railway construction sector. This measure could reduce total emissions by 12% by 2060, making it an effective bridging technology.
• The foundation of any decarbonization strategy is the strategic development and establishment of appropriate refueling and charging infrastructures.
• Framework agreements, compared to individual tenders, are a more effective means of steering sustainability in railway construction machinery while providing additional benefits.

The calculations outline multiple potential development scenarios, assuming a gradual increase in the market availability of alternatively powered railway construction machinery. A key characteristic of such machinery is the limited production volume of individual models and their long service lifespans. This results in comparatively high costs, significant risks for operators, and extended innovation cycles. The challenge for contracting authorities is to design a procurement model that ensures service availability, incorporates sustainability considerations, and fosters competition and innovation.