Germany’s Rail Electrification Efforts Lag Behind Ambitious Goals

More than a third of Germany’s railway network remains reliant on diesel locomotives due to the absence of overhead power lines. A recent assessment by the advocacy group Allianz pro Schiene and the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) reveals a sluggish pace of electrification, with only about 20 kilometers of electrified tracks added in the past year. The organizations project a slightly improved, yet still insufficient, addition of approximately 45 kilometers for the current year.

This rate of progress falls significantly short of the necessary advancements to meet future demands, according to the two associations. Currently, around 62 percent of German railway lines are electrified. However, because high-traffic routes are typically equipped with overhead lines, the proportion of rail transport powered by electricity is considerably higher, reaching approximately 90 percent.

Allianz pro Schiene is advocating for an ambitious target: equipping 80 percent of the German rail network with overhead lines by 2035. Achieving this goal necessitates an annual electrification rate of nearly 600 kilometers. Dirk Flege, the Managing Director of Allianz pro Schiene, pointed out the stark contrast, stating, "So far, only 75 kilometers of overhead lines have been built per year in the state railway network."

Despite the current challenges, the two associations identify several factors that suggest a potentially faster expansion in the coming years. One promising development is the apparent recognition of the issue by the designated new federal government. While the coalition agreement does not specify concrete targets for overhead line expansion, it proposes eliminating the requirement for a cost-benefit analysis for each electrification project.

This means that individual electrification projects would no longer need to demonstrate their economic viability. Allianz pro Schiene believes that removing this hurdle could significantly accelerate the implementation of expansion projects.

Furthermore, positive news has emerged regarding financing. The coalition agreement stipulates that electrification will be funded by the government’s Climate and Transformation Fund, which has been significantly increased. Flege emphasized that with these two measures in place, it is realistic to expect an expansion rate eight times faster than the current pace.

Both associations express confidence that workforce availability will not impede progress. "Companies are collaborating in the training of overhead line fitters, and more skilled workers are being hired," they stated.

A crucial aspect is the electrification of rail connections to neighboring European countries, particularly considering the increasing importance of military transport by rail. "Too little has been done here for years. Overall, only 28 of 57 border crossings are equipped with overhead lines, and there is an enormous need for improvement, especially at the borders with Poland and the Czech Republic," Flege explained.

The slow pace of electrification poses several challenges to Germany’s transportation and environmental goals. The continued reliance on diesel locomotives contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, undermining efforts to decarbonize the transport sector. Furthermore, it increases operational costs for railway companies and limits the potential for faster and more efficient rail services.

The elimination of the cost-benefit analysis requirement is a significant step towards streamlining the approval process for electrification projects. However, it is crucial to ensure that projects are still carefully planned and prioritized to maximize their impact and avoid wasteful spending. The increased funding from the Climate and Transformation Fund provides a much-needed financial boost, but effective allocation and management of these resources are essential to ensure that they are used efficiently and effectively.

The collaboration between companies in training overhead line fitters is a positive development that should help to address potential workforce shortages. However, continued investment in training and education is needed to ensure a sufficient supply of skilled workers in the long term.

The focus on electrifying cross-border connections is particularly important for facilitating international trade and transport. Prioritizing these projects will not only improve the efficiency of rail services but also strengthen Germany’s position as a key transportation hub in Europe.

To achieve the ambitious goal of electrifying 80 percent of the rail network by 2035, a concerted effort is needed from all stakeholders, including the government, railway companies, industry associations, and research institutions. This requires a clear and consistent policy framework, adequate funding, streamlined approval processes, and a commitment to innovation and collaboration.

The German government’s commitment to decarbonizing the transport sector provides a strong impetus for accelerating rail electrification. By investing in this critical infrastructure, Germany can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and enhance the competitiveness of its rail industry. The potential benefits are significant, but realizing them requires a sustained and coordinated effort over the coming years. Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, securing public support, and fostering collaboration between different stakeholders will be essential to ensure that Germany’s rail electrification efforts are successful. The move towards a more sustainable and efficient rail network is not only crucial for Germany’s environmental goals but also for its long-term economic prosperity and its role in European transportation.