Tyne & Wear Metro: Recycled Aluminium for Sustainable UK Rail

Recycled Aluminium Powers Up North East Railway in Groundbreaking Electrification Project

In a significant step toward sustainable rail infrastructure, the Tyne and Wear Metro is undergoing a major overhead line renewal project, utilizing components manufactured from recycled aluminium. This initiative, spearheaded by rail electrification engineers Furrer+Frey, represents a commitment to decarbonization and regional economic growth. The project, involving 4,500 components initially, aims to revitalize 100 kilometers (62 miles) of overhead power lines, improving reliability and efficiency for passengers in Newcastle, Gateshead, and Sunderland. The first batch of these sustainable components are manufactured in the East Midlands. This project will cut manufacturing carbon emissions by three-quarters compared to importing new aluminium. This innovative project underscores the potential of green technologies within the railway sector, offering a blueprint for future projects across the UK. The “why” of the project is to renew aging infrastructure, reduce delays, and improve the passenger experience.

Sustainable Manufacturing in the East Midlands

The project’s success hinges on the collaboration of East Midlands-based companies. Furrer+Frey has partnered with local manufacturers to produce the overhead line equipment. The initial delivery of 4,500 components is just a fraction of the total, but this batch represents the first 10% of parts which will be used in the region to revitalize 100 kilometres (62 miles) of overhead power lines. A key aspect of this is the use of recycled aluminium, sourced and processed within the region. This drastically reduces the carbon footprint associated with production compared to traditional methods that would require importing new materials. The steelworks fabrication is done in Nottingham, and the recycled aluminium is manufactured in Derbyshire. The design and final component assembly, along with comprehensive in-house engineer training, all contribute to a circular economy model. This “Made in Midlands” approach, as described by Furrer+Frey, will save the equivalent of a typical family car driving 1.2 million miles over the five-year project.

Technological Innovation: Enhancing Power Delivery

The equipment is designed to hold the 1,500 Volt wires that power trains on the Tyne and Wear Metro, which run 18 hours a day, seven days a week. This requires a high level of reliability and durability. Furrer+Frey’s bespoke designs ensure the new equipment meets the Metro’s rigorous operating demands. The new overhead line system also complements the arrival of a new fleet of trains. The benefits are numerous: reduced delays, a decrease in maintenance requirements, and, ultimately, a more dependable service for the millions of passengers who rely on the Metro daily. The engineers at NEXUS are being trained on how to install and maintain this new equipment. This upskilling of the local workforce is a positive outcome of this project, ensuring longevity and expertise in servicing the overhead lines.

Regional Economic Impact and Future Outlook

The project has spurred economic growth within the East Midlands, providing local jobs and supporting regional businesses. East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward emphasizes the significance of this collaboration, stating it will “protect local jobs and power millions of clean, electric journeys for decades to come.” Furrer+Frey’s Head of UK Projects, Noel Dolphin, sees this project as a model, stating it results in “lower carbon, lower cost, and more skilled local jobs.” The initiative also contributes to the UK’s broader sustainability goals within the rail sector. As the project advances, its success may prompt similar strategies nationwide, encouraging investment in sustainable infrastructure and fostering a more resilient, environmentally conscious railway network.

Conclusion

The Tyne and Wear Metro’s overhead line renewal project, utilizing recycled aluminium components, epitomizes a significant shift towards sustainable and economically viable rail infrastructure. The project has successfully married the principles of environmental responsibility with regional economic development. The “Made in Midlands” approach, championed by Furrer+Frey, offers a blueprint for future rail electrification projects nationwide. By prioritizing locally sourced materials and fostering a circular economy model, this initiative delivers a reduced carbon footprint, cost efficiencies, and enhanced reliability for rail services. The resulting upskilling of the local workforce will secure long-term maintenance expertise. Looking ahead, the successful implementation of this project has the potential to trigger widespread adoption of sustainable practices within the railway industry, demonstrating the feasibility of green technologies and their capacity to reshape the future of rail travel in the UK and beyond.

Company Summary

Furrer+Frey is a specialist rail electrification engineering company renowned for its innovative approach to overhead line systems and its commitment to sustainable practices. Based in the UK, the company designs, manufactures, and installs advanced electrification solutions. Their focus is on providing reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly power delivery systems, with a strong emphasis on regional collaboration and the use of sustainable materials. Their solutions are currently integrated into the UK rail network.