Braking: regenerative technology saves enough energy to power over 300 homes

A regenerative braking technology used on rail lines between three southern county’s is saving enough energy to power more than 375 homes, according to figures released by the UK’s only high-speed railway system. 

Announced today, High Speed One Ltd (HS1) – the UK’s only high-speed railway – have revealed that a technology known as the ‘regenerative braking’ device, which was introduced on Southeastern trains in October 2022, has been able to save enough energy to power 375 homes.

By working in partnership with Network Rail High Speed, Southeastern Trains and UK Power Networks Service, the initiative was able to be rolled out in just 18 months.

Research also shows the system that is used railway linking London, Kent and East Sussex is set to save £1.7m in energy costs per year at current prices. This news is welcomed as current energy prices according to government statistics are set to increase from £1,952 to £2,109 as support to assist households with paying their energy bills ended last month.

Regenerative braking converts the energy used to slow trains into electrical energy that can either be used by other trains on the network or directed back to the National Grid.

The smart technology reduces the amount of power needed to drive trains and, in turn, reduces overall emissions helping the government to hit its 2030 net-zero target and enabling the rail sector to achieve their own personal sustainability goals.

Richard Thorpe, Director of Engineering & Sustainability at HS1 Ltd, said: ‘Now more than ever, it’s important for the rail sector to work towards delivering innovations that are both environmentally friendly and financially sensible. This project does just that and shows the agility of the HS1 system to respond to challenging circumstances quickly with solutions that bolster our sustainability and cut costs.’

As well as using the technology to lower carbon emissions, in Autumn 2020, HS1 Ltd launched its sustainability strategy, setting out its mission as the UK’s only high-speed railway and Green Gateway to Europe, to provide a world-leading experience that encourages people to choose a green and sustainable international transport option.

Additionally, pre-pandemic, the line removed the equivalent carbon emissions of 60,000 short-haul flights annually.

Image: Silver Ringvee