Iarnród Éireann is exploring the retrofit of existing or procurement of new rolling stock to transition to electric or battery power across its network.

As a rail design and engineering partner, Arup helps clients to develop workable transition and adaptations for existing rolling stock. Whether it’s making the case for full or partial electrification, or introducing alternative new or repurposed traction technology, such as hydrogen or battery rolling stock, our team supports clients throughout the entirety of each project from inception to operation, forging close collaborations throughout the supply chain.

Whether clients are embarking on a new low-carbon train design and procurement, or wanting to upgrade and repurpose an existing fleet, we provide support through the engineering, planning and design stages, addressing the feasibility and planning of adaptations in rail and energy contexts. Our approach to rolling stock decarbonisation is system-based, exploring every element of assets and operations to reach a truly sustainable specification. This includes modelling the impact of alternative technologies, analysis of rolling stock performance and capacity, as well as product benchmarking and market sounding with international suppliers in a rapid and cost-effective way.