Łukasiewicz – Institute of Electrical Engineering has joined the Second Research and Development Ecosystem, a Polish consortium coordinated by PKP S.A., which carries out projects as part of the European research and innovation partnership Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (Europe’s Rail JU).
The agreement was signed by 12 partners representing the science, research, and rail sectors. Together, they will carry out projects under the second wave of the Europe’s Rail JU program from 2026 to 2028, aimed at developing a modern, digital, and low-emission railway system.
Łukasiewicz – Institute of Electrical Engineering will participate in the FP4 project – Rail4EARTH2, which focuses on the energy transition of railway infrastructure and the implementation of smart technologies supporting sustainable transport.
Three Areas of the Institute’s Involvement
Smart and Green Railroad Stations
The Institute’s experts will be responsible for issues related to the use of renewable energy sources, energy storage, and energy management systems in railway buildings. The work will also include the use of digital twin technology and the analysis of passenger flows using artificial intelligence tools. The goal is to increase the energy efficiency and functionality of rail stations.
Hydrogen Refueling for Rail Vehicles
The institute will develop solutions to support the safe refueling of hydrogen-powered trains. The scope of work includes adapting refueling station control systems to the requirements of rail transport, integrating sensors and safety systems, developing operator interfaces, and verifying communication between hydrogen infrastructure devices.
Smart Power Supply for Railway Infrastructure
The third area of activity will involve analyzing the energy demand of railway facilities and determining energy storage needs. The results of this work are intended to support infrastructure managers and rail carriers in using energy more efficiently, reducing emissions, and increasing the reliability of power supply systems.
Joint Efforts for a Modern Railway
Participation in the Rail4EARTH2 project allows us to combine the expertise of Łukasiewicz – Institute of Electrical Engineering in the fields of electrical engineering, power engineering, and energy storage with the experience of partners in the railway industry. The jointly developed solutions are intended to contribute to the creation of a more energy-efficient, smart, and environmentally friendly railway system that meets the needs of passengers, rail operators, and infrastructure managers.
The project is yet another example of the Institute’s active involvement in initiatives supporting the energy transition and the development of innovative technologies for transportation infrastructure in Europe.
