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La Farga, ProRail, Strukton Rail, and Railtech BV have reached a groundbreaking agreement to install the world’s first overhead contact wire made from 100% recycled copper in the Netherlands, reducing CO₂ emissions by 92%.
In a historic agreement that sets a new milestone in the sustainable development of rail transport, La Farga, ProRail, Strukton Rail, and Railtech BV have joined forces to install the world’s first catenary made from Genius copper, a 100% recycled material. This project represents a major step forward in reducing CO₂ emissions by 92%.
This innovative initiative exemplifies European collaboration, with each partner contributing their expertise, experience, and commitment to making a decisive move towards a more sustainable railway system.
The agreement was formalized at InnoTrans 2024, the leading international trade fair for railway transport in Berlin. It solidifies the shared value and positive impact generated by the parties involved.
La Farga, a Spanish company and global leader in copper recycling technology, has developed Genius—the most sustainable solution of its kind. This groundbreaking technology uses an innovative and proprietary process to produce catenary systems from 100% recycled copper, all while maintaining the same mechanical and electrical performance as conventional materials. This advancement not only drastically cuts CO₂ emissions but also highlights the crucial role of material reuse in driving the transition towards a Circular Economy.
ProRail, the organization responsible for managing and maintaining railway infrastructure in the Netherlands, has played a pivotal role in planning and implementing this project. As a leader in the transition to greener railway infrastructure, ProRail will integrate this cutting-edge technology into the Dutch railway system, reaffirming its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
Strukton Rail, a specialist in the construction and maintenance of railway infrastructure, will lead the installation of the catenary system. Drawing on its technical expertise and deep knowledge of rail networks, Strukton will ensure that the installation is carried out safely and efficiently, contributing to a form of electrification that minimizes environmental impact.
Railtech BV, a Dutch leader in technological solutions for the railway sector, will provide the essential services to ensure the successful installation and operation of the new GENIUS contact wire. Their expertise in integrating innovative and sustainable solutions has been instrumental in making this pioneering project not only viable but also a blueprint for future installations across Europe and globally.
This collaboration underscores Europe’s commitment to sustainability, demonstrating how the fusion of knowledge and experience can lead to significant progress towards a more sustainable future. Railway electrification is a key pillar in the fight against climate change, and this pioneering agreement between La Farga, ProRail, Strukton Rail, and Railtech BV marks an essential step towards reducing CO₂ emissions in rail transport.
With this project, the Netherlands and Europe reinforce their leadership in the transition to more sustainable infrastructure, paving the way for future environmentally friendly electrification initiatives.
