Rail Energy (Innovative Integrated Energy Efficiency Solutions for Railway Rolling Stock, Rail Infrastructure and Train Operation) is a 4 year project running from 2006 until September 2009 that is funded by the European Commission and supported through the European 6th Framework for research.  The project is oriented toward increasing energy efficient throughout the rail industry across Europe.

“Inter-relationship of railway sub-systems is highly complex, especially with regard to assessing their consumption of energy. Railenergy therefore will develop a fully integrated approach as the only way to achieve true energy savings. Railenergy also aims to generate new validation standards for the energy performance of products and services and to contribute to the European harmonisation process.”

Since most railways are powered through overhead electricity, then efficiency is related to the production and delivery of energy. However, improvements in rolling stock and locomotive design are also significant factors toward achieving higher efficiency.