Railway On The Fast Track To Implementing Sustainable Mobility In The Middle East

Despite a global shift towards renewable energy, as governments look to reverse the adverse effects of climate change, the fact remains that much of the world’s transport sector is still dependent on fossil fuels. When it comes to the future of sustainable mobility in the Middle East, however, rail transport is leading the way.

With 25% of worldwide CO2 emissions, from energy combustion, coming from transport, and CO2 emissions forecasted to grow by 60% by 2050, the development of sustainable, eco-friendly transport solutions is a matter of the utmost environmental importance here in the Middle East. 

Consequently, the region’s governments are taking major steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, cutting down on the use of fossil fuels, and decarbonising transportation. In the GCC, for example, there has been huge investment in the expansion of infrastructure for rail transport systems, as the country’s leaders continue to reaffirm their commitment to the growth and innovation of sustainable mobility solutions. 

Alstom, a global leader in rail transport and sustainable mobility, is working closely with many regional transportation authorities to ensure the most advanced and sustainable technology innovations are in place to safeguard the health, wellbeing and mobility of communities across the region. 

Known as a global driver of innovation towards carbon neutrality in rail transport – Alstom places a huge focus on greener and smarter mobility solutions. The company is in the process of delivering the world’s fastest-built turnkey driverless metro project, The Dubai Route 2020 Metro, which includes eco-friendly trains equipped with full electrical braking systems, LED lighting and other innovations to reduce energy consumption.

One such innovation is the implementation of HESOP (Harmonic Energy Saver Optimiser) technology, which recovers the electrical energy generated by trains during braking. In addition to reducing operational costs, HESOP will also cut about 3 million kilograms of carbon emissions and decrease power consumption by 6.6 million kilowatts per annum. 

“With rapidly evolving demographics and consequent massive urbanisation, Alstom has taken up the challenge of developing innovative sustainable mobility solutions that meet the increasing demand for transport, while preserving the environment,” says Tamer Salama, Alstom Managing Director for the GCC region. 

“We believe that the continued development of sustainable transport will only be made possible by increasing the adoption of eco-design methods. It is therefore Alstom’s goal to promote sustainable and Healthier Mobility™, worldwide, which is why we have given eco-design a central role in our business. In 2019/2020, 25% of newly developed Alstom solutions were covered by an eco-designed process, including circular economy aspects,” Tamer Salama adds. 

As a dedicated and long-standing partner of the region’s transportation and mobility development, Alstom will continue to play an integral role in improving the environmental performance of rail across the region. Through innovations in electric transport and hydrogen fuel, Alstom aims to shape the future of the region’s mass transit and mobility for the better. In doing so, it remains dedicated to significantly reducing emissions, minimising land use and carbon footprint, and decarbonising rail transport.