SKM Warsaw sets its sights on climate neutrality and joins the Green Railway program

During the 6th Clean Air Congress held in Warsaw, PKP Energetyka signed a letter of intent with SKM Warsaw on the carrier's accession to the Green Railway® program. - We aim to ensure that all rail passengers within the Warsaw Agglomeration can enjoy CO2-neutral transportation, says Leszek Hołda, Member of the Management Board of PKP Energetyka. - While maintaining economic and organizational efficiency, we want to contribute to the development of renewable energy, stresses Alan Beroud, President of the Management Board of Warsaw’s Szybka Kolej Miejska.

Pic.: Leszek Hołda and Alan Beroud signing the letter. Photos by Sebastian Wielechowski.

Szybka Kolej Miejska is part of Warszawski Transport Publiczny (Warsaw Public Transport) and provides residents of the capital and surrounding communities with convenient access to work, school or places of recreation, entertainment and culture. Modern and environmentally friendly SKM trains can be used to travel around Warsaw and reach suburban towns: Otwock, Legionowo, Radzymin, Sulejówek, Pruszków and, from March 12, also Piaseczno.

- Already 100 percent of our vehicles are powered by electricity, so when transporting our passengers around the Warsaw agglomeration, the trains do not pollute the environment. We signed a letter of intent because we have much broader plans. While maintaining economic and organizational efficiency, we want to contribute to the development of renewable energy. Together with PKP Energetyka, we will consider market bids for the purchase of green energy and analyze the methods of its consumption - says Alan Beroud, President of the Management Board of Warsaw's Szybka Kolej Miejska and member of the CEEK Program Council.

The Green Railway program was created by the industry initiative of the Center for Railway Energy Efficiency (CEEK). Its goal is to change the sources of rail power in Poland. In 2025, the electricity consumed by trains in our country is expected to come from RES at 50%, in 2030 – at 85%, and eventually at 100%, which will translate into a reduction of 8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. PKP Energetyka acts as the integrator of this program.

- We are very pleased that such an important carrier for the transportation system and passengers of the Warsaw Agglomeration is joining the Green Railway program. Electromobility powered by energy generated by solar and wind power plants is a response to progressive climate change and increased energy security - says Leszek Hołda, Member of the Management Board of PKP Energetyka and Vice-Chairman of the CEEK Program Council.

Carriers such as Łódzka Kolej Aglomeracyjna, CTL Logistics and DB Cargo Poland are already running on green energy. Participation in the program is declared by other railway passenger and freight carriers. PKP Energetyka has also previously signed letters of intent in this regard with Koleje Śląskie, Koleje Mazowieckie, Koleje Małopolskie, ECCO Rail, Raildox, Captrain and STK.

PKP Energetyka and Warsaw’s Szybka Kolej Miejska are members of the Center for Railway Energy Efficiency (CEEK), a railway industry initiative working towards more competitive and environmentally friendly railway transport. In terms of energy efficiency, CEEK plans to reduce energy consumption in the sector by 1.2 TWh by 2030 and reduce CO2 emissions by 1 million by then, which is like powering Central Railway Station for 200 years or planting 8 Białowieża National Parks. To this end, the Center promotes the development of recuperation technologies, eco-driving – the SENSUM app that is currently being tested – and the use of RES plants on railway premises and facilities.