DB’s Green Steel Rail Initiative: Germany’s Sustainable Infrastructure

Introduction

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is procuring approximately 1,000 tonnes of green steel rails from Saarstahl Rail for installation across North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. This initiative, equivalent to 22 kilometers of track, marks DB’s initial use of low-carbon steel in its infrastructure projects.

Green Steel Procurement

DB InfraGO has contracted Saarstahl Rail for around 1,000 tonnes of low-carbon steel. This quantity will be used for approximately 22 kilometers of track. The rails will be installed in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland.

Manufacturing Process

The green steel is produced at Saarstahl Ascoval in France. The production utilizes electric arc furnace (EAF) technology instead of traditional blast furnaces. The EAF method involves melting scrap metal and used rails, which reduces CO₂-equivalent emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional steelmaking. The 1,000 tonnes supplied to DB is expected to reduce emissions by approximately 1,800 tonnes of CO₂e.

Statements from Key Personnel

Philipp Nagl, CEO of DB InfraGO AG, stated that the use of emissions-reduced steel significantly contributes to the sustainability of construction materials and procurement processes. Jonathan Weber, Member of the Executive Board for Transformation at Saarstahl and responsible for Saarstahl Rail, highlighted the importance of this project for sustainable construction and the mobility transition within the railway sector.

Sustainability Goals

DB aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2040 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain to net zero. Currently, roughly 50% of DB’s Scope 3 emissions originate from construction activities. The company is focusing on five key areas as part of its ecological transformation and is increasingly incorporating emissions-reduced materials, including green steel and green concrete.

Conclusion

Deutsche Bahn is integrating green steel rails from Saarstahl Rail into its infrastructure, contributing to its sustainability goals. This initial purchase of approximately 1,000 tonnes of green steel aligns with DB’s strategy to reduce emissions and promote a circular economy within the rail industry.

Company Summary

Deutsche Bahn (DB): DB is undertaking a project to purchase green steel rails from Saarstahl Rail to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become climate-neutral by 2040.

DB InfraGO: DB InfraGO, Deutsche Bahn’s infrastructure division, has signed a contract with Saarstahl Rail for low-carbon steel supply.

Saarstahl Rail: Saarstahl Rail is supplying low-carbon steel rails to Deutsche Bahn for infrastructure projects.

Saarstahl Ascoval: Saarstahl Ascoval produces green steel using electric arc furnace (EAF) technology in France.

Technology

Electric Arc Furnace (EAF): EAF technology is employed to melt scrap metal and used rails, reducing emissions compared to traditional blast furnace processes.