Spain’s Rail Network Modernization: Diesel-Free Future Consultations

Introduction

Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has launched a preliminary market consultation, open until September 30, to gather information on technological alternatives to diesel traction on non-electrified lines of the national rail network.

Market Consultation

The consultation seeks to gather information from public and private railway operators to assess various technological alternatives to diesel traction on non-electrified lines of the general interest railway network (RFIG). This is being conducted through a notice published on the Public Sector Procurement Platform.

Objectives

The objective is to obtain information from economic operators in the railway sector while ensuring transparency, equal treatment, and non-discrimination. The information and documents related to this consultation are available on the Ministry’s website.

Scope and Purpose

The consultation is intended to support the socio-economic studies required to assess the feasibility of electrifying certain lines or sections, or modernising them using innovative railway technologies as alternatives to diesel, in order to reduce emissions across the rail network.

Context

According to the Ninth Monitoring Report on the Development of the Rail Market, published by the European Commission in July 2025, 65% of Spain’s rail network was electrified in 2022, placing it 9th among the EU27.

Conclusion

The Ministry aims to enhance transparency and promote collaboration in identifying innovative solutions for the modernisation of the railway network and the fight against climate change through this consultation.

Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility

Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility organized an information session for railway operators and has launched a preliminary market consultation.