Deutsche Bahn: "Sustainability is part of Deutsche Bahn's DNA."

Deutsche Bahn takes another step in the aim to become climate-neutral by 2040

DB Cargo is in charge of Deutsche Bahn's Europe-wide rail freight transportation activities and has the largest fleet on the continent with around 2,700 locomotives. In those business areas where DB Cargo cannot yet do without diesel engines, the company will rely on Neste MY Renewable Diesel. Even the last two percent of Deutsche Bahn's diesel-powered long-distance routes will switch to biofuel by 2025. Jörg Schneider, Head of Climate Protection and Energy at DB Cargo: "Sustainability is part of Deutsche Bahn's DNA."

Considerations Deutsche Bahn Cargo

1. Rail: the most climate-friendly mode of goods transport Deutsche Bahn’s vision is to be climate-neutral by 2040

2. The entire diesel locomotive fleet running on renewable diesel 800 vehicles in Germany and 500 vehicles elsewhere in Europe

3. Specific advantages Uncomplicated refueling, air quality improved on site

Solution

What can you tell us about Deutsche Bahn's sustainability goals?

Rail is the most climate-friendly mode of goods transport today. Sustainability is firmly anchored in our company and an integral part of our DNA. As Deutsche Bahn, we want to be climate-neutral by 2040 through the green transformation – ten years earlier than the EU's European Green Deal stipulates. DB is relying on four key aspects to achieve this ambitious goal:

• the expansion of green electricity,

• further electrification of the lines,

• joining the heat transition, and

• phase-out of fossil diesel.

Why Neste MY Renewable Diesel?

In those business areas where we cannot currently do without diesel engines, Deutsche Bahn will use renewable diesel also known as “HVO100”. The renewable diesel from Neste enables us to cut up to 90 percent of GHG emissions. DB Cargo has successfully carried out extensive bench tests, operational testing, and comparative measurements. This has enabled us to approve our entire diesel locomotive fleet of 800 vehicles in Germany and 500 vehicles in Europe for this lower-emission fuel. For us, renewable diesel is a sensible bridging technology until alternatives are available to replace diesel engines in heavy rail freight transport. An immediate climate protection measure, if you will. In 2023, DB Cargo expects to replace around 10 million liters of fossil diesel with HVO. This will enable us to reduce CO2e emissions by almost 30,000 tons.

Were there any alternatives?

In rail freight transport, 95% of transport services are provided electrically; it is the last 5 percent, the last mile so to speak, for which we wanted to find a lower-emission solution – our customers want and support this, too. Conventional, first-generation biodiesel was never an option for us, as usable does not equal sensible or sustainable. When deciding on an energy source, it is important to consider not only the ecological but also the social aspects. For example, if agricultural land is used to grow crops for fuel production, this fuel is in competition with food. We don't want that!

What do your drivers think about the changeover?

We can ask our colleague about that right here.

What are the specific benefits of Neste MY Renewable Diesel?

Those who rely on renewable diesel make an active contribution towards reducing their emissions, and position themselves clearly as pioneers. Our customers can report the CO2e emissions saved in their carbon footprint or CSR report. Of course, we provide them with certified proof of the CO2e emissions saved.

And how do your customers react?

The feedback from our customers and from the public is very good. They help us expand our network running with reduced emissions even further.

What do you expect from renewable diesel in the future?

We expect the increasing HVO production volumes to have economies of scale on costs. In addition, transportation costs will continue to fall because of the emergence of new suppliers and production sites. However, the use of renewable diesel such as Neste MY Renewable Diesel is also dependent on change of the legislation regarding taxation – if politicians want a more sustainable transport sector, lower-emission alternative fuels must not be taxed in the same way as fossil diesel fuel, which is harmful to the environment.