ScotRail, OptimiseAI: Digital Twin Rail Energy Optimization in Scotland

ScotRail Powers Up Sustainability with Digital Twin Technology

In a move towards a greener future, ScotRail is significantly expanding its partnership with OptimiseAI to deploy digital twin technology across its network. Announced on July 10, 2025, the initiative aims to optimize energy management across 25 stations and depots, marking a substantial stride in the rail operator’s commitment to sustainability. This innovative program leverages digital replicas, providing real-time insights into energy consumption and paving the way for meaningful emission reductions. The project aims to address the pressing need for more efficient operations within the rail sector, offering a strategic solution to current industry inefficiencies. This article will explore how ScotRail and OptimiseAI are working together to implement this advanced technology, the benefits it yields, and the broader implications for the railway industry.

Digital Twins: The Key to Enhanced Energy Management

At the heart of this initiative is the deployment of digital twin technology, a sophisticated approach that creates instant digital replicas of physical assets. In this instance, OptimiseAI’s “Predict,” an artificial intelligence (AI)-based forecasting tool, generates these virtual models for 25 ScotRail stations and depots. These digital twins, which leverage data streams from various sources, enable a centralised view of energy consumption. This allows for the easy identification of energy inefficiencies and the targeting of investment opportunities. By incorporating sub-metering and Internet of Things (IoT) technology in major stations, ScotRail aims to develop intricate models of different areas and rooms, allowing for immediate insights into energy usage patterns. This granular level of detail is critical for forecasting energy needs accurately and developing optimisation algorithms that improve efficiency and reduce expenses. Further, OptimiseAI provides detailed assessments, using these virtual replicas to refine current models and broaden the scope of their system, allowing ScotRail to move from simple energy tracking to an active, data-led energy management strategy.

Optimising Key Locations

The project’s scope extends beyond the initial 25 locations. Eight major stations and depots will undergo more comprehensive scrutiny and enhancement. This involves integrating additional sensors and developing detailed models of different areas within each facility. Locations set for upgrades include Glasgow Queen Street station, and depots at Corkerhill, Shields, Yoker, Haymarket, and Inverness. Digital twins at Aberdeen and Inverness train stations will also be updated. OptimiseAI will conduct audits, build computer models, and incorporate data from new monitoring devices to update these virtual replicas. These virtual upgrades will help predict future performance and track the results and financial benefits of improvements.

A Data-Driven Approach to Sustainability

A key element of the system’s improvement is the implementation of a new dashboard. This will show the performance of the entire network through a Red-Amber-Green (RAG) map, making it easier for energy management teams to quickly identify and address inefficiencies. Real-time notifications will also be provided for issues, such as when heating or lighting is left on in unoccupied areas. This active, data-driven strategy enables ScotRail to move from reactive energy management to proactive interventions. Poul Wend Hansen, ScotRail’s head of sustainability, underscores the importance of this shift, stating, “By expanding our partnership with OptimiseAI with this further rollout of digital twins, we can gain a deeper understanding of our energy use and take meaningful steps to reduce emissions across all our stations and depots. It will help us build a greener future for Scotland’s Railway.”

Industry Collaboration: A Sustainable Future

This partnership exemplifies a growing trend in the railway industry: the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Digital twins, integrated with AI and IoT, are becoming essential tools for rail operators seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and lower operational costs. These initiatives align with broader efforts to meet net-zero energy standards. OptimiseAI CEO Nick Tune stated, “We’re proud to be working with ScotRail on their plans to reduce their station and depot energy emissions. By expanding the use of digital twins ScotRail is deploying an intelligent energy management system that will reduce energy costs across its buildings. This kind of scalable approach represents the future we’re heading toward: where efficient building estates will be the backbone of resilient cities.” ScotRail’s collaboration with Clarus Networks Group, installing the world’s first rail-approved Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite antenna to provide fast internet connectivity, also supports ScotRail’s wider innovative scope.

Conclusion

ScotRail’s expansion of its partnership with OptimiseAI marks a significant step forward in leveraging digital twin technology to optimise energy management across its network. By deploying sophisticated AI-driven systems and expanding their data-led approach, ScotRail is actively addressing energy inefficiencies and promoting sustainability. This initiative is setting an example for the railway industry by demonstrating how digital twins can provide granular insights into energy usage and inform targeted interventions. The data-driven approach to energy management, from new dashboards to real-time notifications, signifies a progressive movement toward proactive sustainability. As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of advanced technologies such as digital twins and AI will likely become commonplace, driving a more efficient and environmentally responsible railway sector. The success of this partnership will be a roadmap for other rail operators looking to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance operational effectiveness, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the railway sector.

Company Summary: OptimiseAI

OptimiseAI is a technology firm specializing in energy intelligence solutions for commercial buildings and transportation systems. Its platform uses sophisticated semantic AI to integrate and analyze various data streams, creating digital twins that provide real-time insights into energy consumption patterns. By offering data-driven solutions and AI-powered predictive analytics, OptimiseAI enables organizations to optimize their energy usage, reduce emissions, and lower operational costs. Its primary focus is helping clients leverage data to build more efficient, sustainable operations.