How Austria Powers Its Trains with 100% Renewable Energy | ÖBB’s Unique Railway Electricity Network
Get Our E-Book! We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of our first-ever e-book: a curated compilation of 100 Railways Explained scripts, filled with insights, facts, and rail stories from across the globe. If you love our videos, you’ll definitely enjoy reading it. https://payhip.com/b/mTDPX Did you know that Austria’s railways are powered entirely by renewable energy—and that the national railway company, ÖBB, generates its own electricity? In this video, we take you deep inside one of the most advanced and sustainable railway traction power systems in the world. Unlike most countries where railways depend on national power grids, ÖBB-Infrastruktur manages electricity generation, conversion, and delivery entirely in-house. From nine hydroelectric power plants—including Obervellach II, Rosenbach, Fulpmes, Uttendorf I and II, Schneiderau, Enzingerboden, Spullersee, and Braz—to converter stations, mobile substations, and solar panels on rooftops and noise barriers, Austria is redefining what #it means to run a green railway. Learn how: • Electricity flows from hydropower plants to trains through Austria’s independent 2,000 km high-voltage traction grid • ÖBB achieves full energy self-sufficiency and stable pricing for operators • Innovative solutions like mobile substations and regenerative braking improve resilience and efficiency • Solar and wind projects—like the Höflein wind farm—are expanding ÖBB’s renewable portfolio • Austria avoids over 4 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually thanks to this integrated system Whether you’re a rail enthusiast, energy systems nerd, or just curious about how sustaina#blerail transport actually works—this is the video for you! Support Us & Get Exclusive Benefits: Become a member on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and more: https://www.patreon.com/railways_explained Join our YouTube membership to support the channel and get special perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGq3OyOoLPYj4Oyk1DWnKxQ/join Donate via PayPal: PayPal.Me/railwaysexplained Check out our official merch and show your love for all things railway: https://railways-explained.creator-spring.com Subscribe for more in-depth railway stories and analyses from around the world. Big thanks to our Patrons: Walid, Mind K, An Oni Moose, Julian Baumann, Hendrik Hinrichs, Robert P. Walsh, Xosé F. Estrada, Mårten Hammarstrand, Lucas Richter, Korawich Kavee, Alex Zaslavsky, Ben M, Nathan Walls, Bill, Tim McKeoun, August Bigelow, Brendan McKeon, Linda Vainomae-Hoffmann, Linda Vainomae-Hoffmann, Reinforcedconcrete, Alex McDonald, Martin Pelles, Alice Conalbi, Declan Crowley, Martin Hinge, William Rohe