Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity. Temperatures have been rising since the beginning of the age of industrialisation – if it weren’t for humans, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide would only be present at trace levels as natural components in the atmosphere. Population growth and urbanisation, in particular, are problems that are exacerbating global effects such as the extinction of species, the melting of polar ice, rising sea levels and dramatic weather extremes.
The Paris Agreement of 2015 and the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow in 2021 set out the political framework for the future. A target has been set to limit global warming to a maximum of 2°C. Key measures include phasing out the burning of coal, achieving climate-neutral mobility and conserving forests around the globe as carbon sinks.
By 2050, 85 per cent of the German population will be living in conurbations.(1) Cities are already responsible for 75 per cent of CO2 emissions around the world.(2) Mobility is a major lever for cli-mate protection measures. If we can come up with low-emission or even zero-emissions transportation, we will be a huge step closer to a solution. Multi-modal transport models are required, for example concepts that combine rail transport with cycle lanes and zero-emissions bus routes. However, it’s also important not to forget more thinly populated areas. Ideally, people would not need cars at all in their day-to-day lives.
Manufacturers of rail systems can make an important contribution to urban mobility. To do that, they will need to overcome the following challenges:
– Sustainable propulsion technologies (hybrid or hydrogen technology)
– Standardisation and modularity of platforms
– Use of more lightweight and energy-saving materials
– Minimising noise emissions
To support them in this, we have brought together the activities and competencies of HOPPECKE Batterie Systeme and of the sister company INTILION. In doing so, we leverage expertise from more than 90 years of development, planning and installation for the rail systems of world-renowned railway vehicle manufacturers – all individually tailored to the needs of each customer. We have systematically expanded our initial experiences from the use of nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries for backing up on-board power supply and applied them to a product portfolio of eight innovative technologies in the auxiliary and propulsion areas. With our innovative lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium and lead-acid technologies, we are working with rail operators and manufacturers to make the future safe and green.
