Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has announced a new collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Hankyu Corporation to promote energy conservation on Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Line 1 in Manila, operated and maintained by Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC).
The technical cooperation project will use Mitsubishi Electric’s advanced data analysis services for railways to assess the line’s current energy consumption, evaluate potential energy-saving measures, and develop solutions aimed at improving overall efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Tackling congestion and emissions in Metro Manila
The project comes amid ongoing efforts to improve public transport infrastructure in the Manila metropolitan area, where reliance on private vehicles has led to chronic traffic congestion, rising air pollution, and increasing CO₂ emissions.
In response, LRMC sought JICA’s expertise to support more sustainable operations. JICA then initiated a joint project with Hankyu Corporation, a company recognised for its experience in managing highly energy-efficient railway networks in Japan.
Applying data-driven solutions
As part of the initiative, Mitsubishi Electric has been commissioned by Hankyu to deploy its Serendie™ digital platform, a proprietary data analytics system designed for railway applications. The platform will analyse the energy usage patterns of LRT Line 1, verify the effectiveness of various efficiency measures, and recommend optimised solutions.
One of the tools within the Serendie™ system uses mapping technology to visualise surplus regenerative energy generated when trains brake. This data will enable Mitsubishi Electric to propose targeted improvements, such as:
- Installing auxiliary power supply equipment to allow stations to reuse surplus regenerative energy.
- Implementing energy storage systems to capture and store excess power for later use.
These measures aim to reduce overall energy consumption and lower operating costs while contributing to the Philippines’ decarbonisation and sustainability goals.
Longstanding expertise in railway innovation
Mitsubishi Electric’s involvement reflects its long track record in supplying electrical systems for rolling stock and developing energy-efficient technologies for railway operators in Japan and overseas.
“By combining our expertise with the operational knowledge of Hankyu and the development support of JICA, we aim to significantly enhance the energy efficiency of Manila’s LRT Line 1,” Mitsubishi Electric stated. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to creating sustainable solutions for urban transport systems around the world.”
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