In view of the energy crisis, the federal government wants to give priority to the transport of energy sources by rail. This can also have consequences for train passengers.
In order to secure the energy supply in Germany, the transport of mineral oil, gas, coal and transformers should temporarily be given priority in rail transport. This is provided for by a legal ordinance drawn up by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Federal Ministry of Transport. “The aim is to ensure the operation of power plants, refineries, power grids and other vital operations,” says a paper from both ministries that is available to the German Press Agency in Berlin.
The intervention in rail traffic should be kept as low as possible and delays or cancellations in passenger traffic should be avoided as far as possible. The ordinance is to be limited to six months. It is based on the amended Energy Security Act.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in violation of international law, triggered an energy crisis, and both ministries write that supply chains and routes will be changed accordingly. Energy sources such as steam coal and mineral oil would have to be used more temporarily. “That requires extremely demanding logistics.” The industry is facing a huge challenge.
Inland shipping at the limit
The paper refers to the low water levels in the rivers and the resulting reduced transport capacities of inland waterways, heavy traffic on rail corridors and a sharp increase in construction activity in the rail network as well as the prospective embargo-related phasing out of crude oil supplies from the Druzhba pipeline.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) explained that several crises are currently intertwined – the energy crisis triggered by the Ukraine war and extremely low water levels in the Rhine as a result of the climate crisis. “This makes it more difficult to supply the necessary supply of steam coal and mineral oil. In order to ensure security of supply, we therefore have to resort to unusual measures.”
This also includes giving more priority to energy transport in the near future. “This prioritization is necessary for this autumn and winter. At the same time, we will continue to do everything we can to expand renewable energies quickly and comprehensively and to overcome our dependence on fossil raw materials,” stressed Habeck.
Challenge for the rail
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) made it clear that the priority for energy transport poses challenges for the railways. Important routes are already partially heavily used or overloaded. “We must therefore prioritize transport in a considered and careful manner in order to ensure the energy supply of the citizens. This is not an easy decision, because in cases of doubt it means that passenger transport has to wait in these cases.”
According to the paper, DB Netz AG has already adjusted the terms of use of the network in order to prioritize energy transport in the operational processing of the trains. The ordinance could then also be used to regulate their preferential treatment when allocating train paths. The ministries also point out that, due to capacity bottlenecks, it may be necessary to use freight wagons that no longer meet the applicable noise protection standards.
Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
