We are investing around €1.6 billion in all of this by 2030. Our approach: By expanding our own renewable energy power stations, forging strong energy partnerships and implementing our energy efficiency programmes, we are creating greater energy independence whilst protecting our environment! Demand for green electricity is set to rise sharply in the coming years – so strengthening self-sufficiency also serves to ensure the security of supply for Austria and its economy.
We give 100 percent for 0 emissions
For ÖBB, as one of Austria’s leading climate protection companies, its ambitious energy strategy is at the heart of its climate protection strategy. ÖBB is already saving over 4 million tonnes of CO₂ per year through its transport services (rail and bus).
ÖBB has been running on 100% green traction power since 2018. Since 2019, buildings and operational sites have also been supplied with electricity from 100% renewable energy.
We are aiming for climate neutrality (Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions) by 2035 (net zero). The entire ÖBB Group is set to become climate-neutral (net zero) by 2050. A strong testament to our active energy strategy: over 130 photovoltaic systems, 9 hydroelectric power stations and the world’s first wind turbine for traction power. All in all, this makes us a strong partner in the green energy transition.
Environmentally friendly power supply
Environmentally friendly power supply, electricity from water, wind and solar power: the railway is climate-friendly. Using energy efficiently and investing in new ideas and technologies. This is ÖBB-Infrastruktur. It’s why we also want to compensate for upstream emissions in the long term. Not a single litre of oil, not a cubic metre of gas or coal should be used to generate the electricity that moves trains, passengers and goods. Every year, we and our customers save around 3.5 million tons of carbon dioxide for the environment through rail transport. A quantity that would require a forest the size of Vorarlberg to be taken up again.
Clean power from hydropower
Climate protection is our speciality; our electricity comes from 100% renewable energy sources. We operate a complex infrastructure to ensure a reliable and fail-safe supply of traction current. We generate a third of Austria’s traction current requirements at our hydroelectric power stations.
Solar panels for the railway
We not only use hydroelectric power, but also solar energy to operate our trains and stations. Our lighthouse project in Wilfleinsdorf has been generating environmentally friendly traction current since 2015, making it the first traction current solar power plant in Europe. In the course of an extensive expansion programme, in addition to traction current photovoltaic systems, numerous additional three-phase photovoltaic systems are being built to supply our railway stations.
Powered by the wind
In Höflein, we have built the world's first 16.7 Hz traction current wind turbine as a prototype. It makes a significant contribution. Trains are now also powered by the wind. The energy generated is fed directly into the railway's overhead line. On the one hand, this direct feed largely avoids the need for new electrical lines. On the other hand, the trains are supplied with wind energy directly and thus with low losses.
Using energy efficiently
Energy efficiency and energy-saving are always important topics for us. We are also committed to climate protection for economic reasons. Less energy demand in vehicle operation, in railway stations, in installations and in the offices reduces operating costs.
Expanding electrification
An important step towards further CO2 reduction is the electrification of additional railway lines. The following routes are on the agenda in the coming years: Marchegger Ast (2023), Klagenfurt–Weizelsdorf (2023), Koralmbahn Graz–Deutschlandsberg (2023), Koralmbahn Wolfsberg–Klagenfurt (2023).
