The operator of Athens’ urban rail transport is testing the first regenerative braking system installed on a railway network in Greece on Line 1. The system is expected to recover approximately 4,500 MWh annually, equivalent to 12.5 per cent of the line’s electricity consumption.
The system entered trial operation in mid-July at the Neo Faliro traction substation. A second system is due to be commissioned at the Iraklio substation.
The project is being implemented by Siemens Mobility for STASY, the operator of Athens’ metro and tram networks, and is worth EUR 4.1 million.
Energy generated during braking is fed back into the grid
When a train brakes, its electric motors can temporarily function as generators. The train’s kinetic energy is converted into electricity, rather than being lost as heat.
The new system captures the energy generated during braking, converts it and feeds it back into the power grid.
The recovered electricity can be used by other trains in service or by railway facilities, reducing the amount of energy purchased from the public grid.
Estimated savings of 4,500 MWh per year
STASY estimates that the facilities will recover approximately 4,500 MWh of electricity annually on Line 1.
This amount represents approximately 12.5 per cent of the line’s annual electricity consumption, also known as the Green Line or the ISAP electric railway.
In addition to reducing consumption, the system should also lower the operator’s running costs.
Traction substations will be modernised
The project also includes the modernisation of the traction substations at Neo Faliro and Iraklio.
The new equipment is intended to increase the reliability of the power supply and reduce the number of faults associated with ageing installations.
The investment is funded through the Greek development programme ESPA and is expected to be completed before the contractual deadline in December 2026.
STASY presents the project as a first step towards expanding energy recovery technologies and reducing electricity consumption in Athens’ public transport system.
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