Rail and DB Cargo as pioneers for CO2e-free logistics

The decarbonization of the industry and thus the entire logistics sector is a key component in the fight against climate change. Sebastian Schilling, Head of Business Development, Marketing and Transport Policy at DB Cargo, highlighted DB Cargo's role in this process in his presentation at the Handelsblatt annual conference "Decarbonization of Industry 2024". In his presentation "Rail and DB Cargo as pioneers for CO2e-free logistics", he presented the opportunities and challenges that the transition to CO2e-free logistics entails.

While some industries have already made considerable progress in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, the transport sector still faces particular challenges. As one of Europe's leading freight railroad companies, DB Cargo plays a key role here and has set itself ambitious goals to make logistics more sustainable.

Rail freight transport as an environmentally friendly solution

Rail freight transport is already one of the most environmentally friendly forms of transport, with 80 to 100 percent less CO2e emissions per tonne and kilometer compared to truck transport. This is an advantage that must be used consistently for logistics solutions. With 3,600 freight trains and over 4,200 connection points in 18 countries, DB Cargo is already able to transport large quantities of goods sustainably.

The goal is climate neutrality by 2040

DB Cargo is pursuing the clear goal of climate neutrality by 2040. To achieve this, the company has set concrete interim targets, such as reducing specific CO2e emissions by 50 percent by 2025 and using 80 percent renewable power in the traction current mix. By 2038, the traction current mix is to consist of 100 percent renewable energy in order to make a significant contribution to reducing CO2e. DB Cargo is using several strategic approaches to achieve this:

1. Electrification and green power: The complete electrification of the rail network and the use of 100 percent renewable power are crucial. This also includes expanding electrification and increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.
2. Phasing out fossil fuels: The gradual phase-out of diesel through alternative drive systems and fuels, such as biofuels (e.g. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, or HVO for short), is already underway. Hybrid and bi-mode locomotives, which can run on both electricity and fossil fuels, are helping to reduce emissions.
3. Technological innovations: Investment in new technologies and fleet modernization is also important. This includes the use of traction energy recovery and special driver training to increase energy efficiency, as well as the use of bi-mode locomotives, which allow as many kilometers as possible to be driven on electricity, even in shunting operations. In future, we will use electric drives where switching locomotives currently run on diesel and only run on diesel where there is no overhead line.

Freight trains cause 80 to 100 percent less CO2e emissions per ton and kilometer compared to truck transport.

Sustainability along the entire supply chain

DB Cargo not only focuses on sustainable transport infrastructure, but also on climate-friendly design of the entire supply chain, from loading to logistics. With the "Climate+" offer, customers can use 100 percent renewable power for their rail transports and thus offset unavoidable emissions. This is particularly relevant on non-electrified routes, where the use of HVO biofuels can avoid around 90 percent of CO2 emissions.

The path to an environmentally conscious future

DB Cargo is continuously driving the transformation to CO2e-free logistics by gradually implementing its climate targets. This is creating forward-looking green logistics with innovative technologies and a holistic approach along the entire supply chain - an advantage that gives rail freight transport a clear edge over trucks.