Largest Czech railway transport provider ČD Cargo signed an agreement on increasing energy efficiency with the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The Czech Republic is thus fulfilling its obligation imposed on Member States, according to which at least 0.8 per cent of final energy consumption must be saved every year by 2030.
“In order to meet our commitments to the European Union, which responds to climate change, among other things by reducing carbon emissions, we are choosing the path of voluntary Strategic Declarations (Agreements) on energy efficiency,” commented the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade, Karel Havlíček. “They can be joined by all companies that are not indifferent to the quality of the environment and sustainable development. ČD Cargo is the first swallow, an example to which I believe other companies will join soon.”
In order to ensure more energy-efficient transport, ČD Cargo is gradually changing its vehicle fleet. Instead of vehicles with electric resistance control, the company is acquiring new locomotives with semiconductor lossless power control, enabling the use of regenerative braking and taking only effective current components.
“We also welcome the Ministry’s commitment to promoting incentive programs to reduce the energy intensity of transport and increase the share of emission-free electric traction,” said Ivan Bednárik, Chairman of the Board of ČD Cargo. “At the same time, we see increasing the energy efficiency of our freight transport, reducing our carbon footprint and reducing our emission intensity not only as socially responsible but as absolutely necessary with regards to future generations.”
The company is also modernising diesel locomotives, thus improving their technical and environmental parameters. Furthermore, it is also preparing to use two-source hybrid locomotives, which will bring fully emission-free operation in the future.
