Feasibility Study on the Decarbonisation of the Upper Franconia Axis
The Free State of Bavaria aims to eliminate the use of diesel vehicles in Bavarian local rail passenger transport (SPNV) by 2040. Given the likelihood that complete electrification of the rail network may not be achievable by that time, alternative drive technologies will need to be adopted. In a comprehensive feasibility study, Enotrac has identified the technical, operational, and infrastructural measures necessary for successful implementation.
About the project
The Upper Franconia Axis (Oberfranken-Achse) connects the four regional centres of Bamberg, Coburg, Bayreuth, and Hof. Due to their geostrategic importance and diverse route profiles, these centres play a crucial role in regional transport. However, the goal of completely eliminating diesel operations in regional rail transport by 2040 presents a significant challenge for the diesel-dependent region of Upper Franconia in northeast Bavaria. This challenge is exacerbated by the current low level of electrification along the Upper Franconia Axis and its surrounding network.
In collaboration with the other districts and towns in Upper Franconia, the district of Kulmbach and the Free State of Bavaria commissioned Enotrac to prepare a report investigating how existing diesel transport along the Upper Franconia Axis and the neighbouring network could be transitioned to locally emission-free drive systems. The objective was to develop a concept that ensures climate-neutral and robust operations in regional rail transport, meeting both short-term needs and facilitating the long-term expansion of electrification.
Possible supply concept for the use of plug-in hybrid vehicles on the Upper Franconian regional transport network
Our contribution
With the support of subcontractors SMA und Partner AG and hynes GmbH, the Enotrac team has developed an energy supply concept that facilitates robust operation with battery hybrid vehicles while also determining the hydrogen infrastructure needed for a trimodal hydrogen battery hybrid vehicle. The analysis included evaluating the general feasibility, anticipated costs, and a potential implementation schedule.
The report was further supported by a project steering group comprising representatives from the Bavarian State Ministry for Housing, Construction and Transport, Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft mbH, DB Energie GmbH, DB InfraGo AG, and, for project coordination, the Bavarian-Saxon Railway Electrification Office within the Logistics Agency of Upper Franconia (Logistik-Agentur Oberfranken e.V.).
Die Studie gibt es hier zum Download: Studie herunterladen
Possible layout concept for a hydrogen infrastructure in Hof (as an example) / © hynes GmbH
Evolution of the battery charge level (SOC) for the RB96/99 line in different electrification variants (example)
H2 energy requirement per vehicle over a full day of operation for two different time horizons
Facts and Figures
-
Client
Landkreis Kulmbach
-
Period
01.12.2022 – 30.11.2024
-
Location
Oberfranken, Germany
