ScotRail has teamed up with UK-based company Optimise AI to implement innovative 'digital twin' technology across its stations and depots, aiming to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency.

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, designed for real-time monitoring and predictive analysis. Using this advanced technology, ScotRail can track energy usage and carbon emissions in real time, identifying opportunities to cut emissions and improve efficiency throughout Scotland's Railway network.

-- Advertisement --

The system also benchmarks the performance of ScotRail's facilities against the UK Energy Performance Certification standard, offering valuable insights into how stations and depots compare to national energy standards. Developed at Cardiff University, the tool’s algorithm analyses utility performance data from similar buildings, recommending specific measures to reduce energy consumption and save costs.

This data-driven approach enables ScotRail to make targeted investments that boost efficiency, lower expenses, and eliminate carbon emissions. The operator is expanding the tool’s capabilities to pinpoint further energy efficiency savings and chart a clear path to achieving net-zero emissions by phasing out fossil fuel use.

In addition, ScotRail is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability by maintaining its 100% UK renewable electricity tariff. The move is expected to lower electricity costs starting in the new year while supporting the company's environmental goals.