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Talgo and DSB: decarbonisation on the run

Talgo's lightweight technology has been one of the factors for the choice made by the Danish Railways. Offering an up to 30% lower-than-normative energy consumption due to its unique running gear, the Spanish manufacturer is well-suited to further enhance the role of the train as the most sustainable means of transport in a EU country that has drawn up an extremely ambitious climate change emergency response plan - to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by the end of the decade.

In February 2020, in a tender open to railway manufacturers from all over the world, the Danish operator DSB awarded to Talgo the construction of trains for the renewal of the major part of its passenger vehicle fleet. These units will operate on the domestic Intercity routes and on the international line connecting Denmark with Germany.

The first order under the framework contract worth 500 million euros involves the supply of 8 trains with a commercial speed of 200 km/h. The model chosen by the Danish operator is based on the Talgo 230 platform. It features full interoperability and compatibility with other manufacturers' locomotives.

Focus on people

In this project, light and space issues were of particular relevance to the DSB. These trains, with continuous low-floor design, had to accommodate all possible passenger needs and comply with a wide range of the most different requirements set by the client.

Wider and shorter Talgo cars provide for a more flexible inner space arrangement and offer passengers bright, airy and noise-free saloons. Trains built under this project will be provided with cars specifically designed for people with reduced mobility and at least two spacious areas with flexible luggage racks for safe and hygienic transportation of prams, bikes and big wheel scooters.

For these personal mobility devices, featuring a low carbon footprint, numerous electrical sockets (charging points) will be available along the train, enabling passengers to charge their transporters during the travel. In accordance with the increasing trend towards more flexible, adaptable services, the new train will have a self-service area with hot and cold beverages and snacks.

Cloud computing on board

Talgo 230 trains for DSB are fitted with connectivity systems that send data directly to the information boards that offer passengers real-time details on the service.

They also integrate with the onboard video surveillance system to ensure maximum security and are used to exchange data with maintenance workshops by sending information necessary for predictive maintenance operations planning, all the above performed using cloud computing.

Border-free project

With over five decades of experience in providing rolling stock specifically designed for international passenger lines connecting Spain with France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia and Poland, Talgo trains are the best choice in terms of ensuring the highest levels of interoperability.

Eight new trains to be delivered under the first contract order will be used for commercial operation in both Denmark and Germany. Their entry into service is planned on the route linking the Danish capital Copenhagen and the German city of Hamburg. These Talgo 230 units will not only feature compatibility with multiple infrastructure systems but will be prepared to operate with other manufacturers' locomotives.

End-of-life recoverability

Along with the energy reduction component, one of the key priorities of the DSB project is the use of materials specifically selected for their recovery potential. The useful life of a properly maintained Talgo train may exceed four decades and it is necessary to ensure the environmental impact minimization once this period is over.

To the design of its products Talgo applies the circular economy approach. This means that, in addition to its commitment to the energy and materials consumption reduction at the train manufacturing stage, Talgo guarantees that at least 95% of all the components used in each project shall be recoverable at the end of the train´s life.