• SMRT Trains and Hitachi Rail’s collaborative Green CBTC Next Gen project supports SMRT’s sustainability goal to reach net zero by 2050  
• Green CBTC Next Gen algorithms leverage advanced data analytics capabilities within the SelTrac™ CBTC signalling system, to reduce energy consumption across Singapore’s North-South and East-West lines (NSEWL)
• The first phase of the Next Gen project has achieved additional 8% energy savings for automatic trains on NSEWL, on top of Green CBTC features first introduced in 2017. Annual additional savings are more than 15M kWh, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of about 3000 households annually

In 2023, SMRT Trains and Hitachi Rail partnered on a Green Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) Next Gen project to support SMRT’s goal to attain net zero by 2050. 

The Green CBTC Next Gen technology leverages advanced data analytics capabilities within the SelTrac™ signalling system to optimize energy usage, enabling operators such as SMRT, to achieve traction energy savings and contribute to environmental objectives.

Hitachi Rail deployed SelTrac™ CBTC for the re-signalling of Singapore’s North-South Line (NSL) and East-West Line (EWL) in 2017 and 2018 respectively and has introduced Green CBTC features in the NSEWL network. The signalling system is responsible for the automatic control of the traction such as acceleration, braking and coasting.

With traction power accounting for 50% of energy with the SMRT Train’s network, Green CBTC Next Gen allows for the reduction in traction power by utilizing data analytics, inherently making passenger rides on the NSEWL greener.

The Phase 1 Completion of the project which achieved additional 8% energy savings for automatic trains, marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to enhance sustainable urban transportation. Annual savings are more than 15M kWh, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of about 3000 households annually.
Both entities will continue to focus on in-depth studies to further improve operational efficiency.

Mr Lam Sheau Kai, President, SMRT Trains, said: “We are encouraged by the positive energy savings achieved through our partnership with Hitachi Rail. Looking ahead, we are excited to target, and potentially exceed, a 15% reduction in annual traction power consumption over the next two years, making travel on the NSEWL more sustainable and greener.”

“The success of this pioneering collaboration project between SMRT and Hitachi Rail is a strong testimonial to #OneTeam spirit. It drives our long-term commitment on local capability building, co-innovation in digital transformation, and exploring the best-in-class technologies to contribute to Singapore’s mobility and sustainability initiatives,” said Yu Feng TANG, General Manager, Hitachi Rail GTS Singapore

“SMRT and Hitachi Rail have a long-standing partnership in Singapore and together we are now making passenger journeys greener than ever. This project, designed as energy saving-as-a-service, allows for greater power efficiency without disrupting passenger services, marking a pivotal step towards more sustainable urban transit system,” said Ziad Rizk, Managing Director, Urban Rail Signalling, Hitachi Rail