Wind, and only wind, powers trains in the Netherlands. Zero emissions, clean air: 220 kilometers for each blade.

WIND TRAIN HOLLAND

This is a world first, a true flagship in the field of eco-sustainability . Since last February, in fact, all trains in the Netherlands have been powered by wind turbines . The benefits for passengers are enormous. First of all, zero CO2 emissions along the entire railway network, which covers 2.800 kilometers of line with 1,2 million passengers per day . Secondly, there are no reductions in train speed, while the reduction in energy supply costs has led to the pleasant surprise of a reduction in ticket prices . Moreover, in one hour of operation, an active wind turbine can provide enough energy to power a train for 200 kilometers.

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WIND ENERGY FOR TRAINS

The decision to implement these Groenetrein , literally "green trains," stems from a record that the Netherlands has decided to capitalize on. This Northern European country holds the world record for per capita wind energy production , which also explains the boom in the rail transport sector. In fact, the entire national energy system continues to rely on wind-powered electricity generation at a frenetic pace. In the last year alone, 153 new wind turbines were built , and the national stock now stands at 2.250 wind farms , generating 7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity , approximately 20 percent more than the previous year.

RAILWAY NETWORK POWERED BY WIND ENERGY

It's worth keeping in mind that trains typically run on diesel and electricity , and therefore contribute significantly to pollution and global warming. It's no coincidence that 20 percent of CO02 emissions in the Netherlands were caused by rail . With wind power, the problem would be eliminated. Comments Michel Kerkhof, general manager of Eneco , the Dutch company responsible for national energy supplies: "We're at a turning point . Citizens need to know that by traveling by train within the country, they're also contributing to improving the environment and combating global warming."

WIND ENERGY IN THE NETHERLANDS

Eneco is the company leading the process, along with Arriva , the holding company that manages the railway network, and Eolia , which holds a leading position in wind energy production. The network covered by the turbines is equivalent to the entire railway network of two large Italian regions, Lombardy and Veneto.

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