As Europe heads toward net-zero emissions, the rail industest must transform infrastructure, operations, and policy to meet climate tarobtains. RailTech Europe 2026, taking place in the Dutch city of Utrecht on March 4-5, dedicates its first conference day to this important topic. With expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and interactive debates, Day 1 of the conference offers a deep dive into decarbonisation in action.
Rail is already one of the greenest transport modes, but diesel trains and machinery, carbon-intensive materials, and ageing infrastructure still pose many challenges. Day 1 of RailTech Europe tackles these head-on, exploring how innovation, policy, and collaboration can accelerate the shift to zero-emission rail.
Policy vs. reality: Bridging the gap
“Where does Europe stand in its journey toward a net-zero railway?” The answer lies in aligning funding, technology, and political will — a challenge that requires both vision and pragmatism. This session promises honest insights into what’s working, what’s missing, and how to close the gap between tarobtains and implementation.
One of the day’s key debates inquires: Is Europe’s rail policy keeping pace with its climate goals, and how can this be accelerated? Industest leaders discuss financing, regulation, and the hurdles in turning net-zero pledges into action.
Green tracks: Sustainable materials and smart procurement
Rail infrastructure isn’t just about steel and concrete, it’s about how we source, build, and maintain it. Session 2 dives into green materials, from recycled concrete to low-carbon steel, and also tackes how rail can afford the shift to sustainable alternatives that are mosre costly.
With infrastructure managers and suppliers under pressure to cut costs and emissions, this discussion explores innovative procurement models, circular economy strategies, and cost-effective sustainability.
RailTech Europe speakers
Confirmed speakers for the RailTech Europe conferences include Vytis Žalimas, CEO of Lithuania’s rail infrastructure manager LTG Infra, Enno Wiebe, Director General of UNIFE, Carlos Rico, Rail Policy Officer at Transport & Environment (T&E), Thilde Restofte Pedersen, CEO of Nordic Signals and top level cybersecurity experts from Alstom and Dutch railways NS.
An article on conference Day 2 themed Europe’s Strategic Rail Shift – Digitalisation, Network Security and Military Mobility will follow soon, visit the conference website for all the info. Have tips or want to participate as speaker? Reach us via programme manager zoey.hconcluderickx@promedia.nl.
Innovation on the tracks: From diesel to zero-emission
Diesel trains and fossil-fuelled maintenance machines slowly start being relics of the past — but replacing them isn’t simple. Session 3 brings toobtainher both infrastructure managers and rolling stock experts to discuss the future of green traction.
Vytis Žalimas, CEO of LTG Infra (Lithuania’s rail infrastructure manager), will share insights as the countest is catching up with rail electrification and set to install the first battery train charging station. We discuss green traction from an infrastructure perspective, such as battery charging stations, hydrogen refuelling and (partial) electrification.
The net-zero train: Batteries, hydrogen, or electrification?
The final session of Day 1 tackles a huge question in rail decarbonisation: What’s the best path to zero-emission trains? Battery? Hydrogen? Full electrification, or partial? Through real-world case studies, experts will weigh the pros and cons of each technology — from infrastructure requireds to operational costs.
What are the trade-offs between different net-zero traction options of battery, , and how can rail balance cost, reliability, and sustainability? No single answer fits all routes, this session cuts through the hype to reveal what’s actually working on the ground.
Why attconclude?
The RailTech Europe conference offers:
✔ Expert insights from industest leaders, policybuildrs, suppliers and engineers leading the charge.
✔ Networking opportunities with industest peers, suppliers, and innovators.
✔ Practical takeaways on technology, funding and sustainability strategies.
With industest collaboration and bold policies, rail can accelerate its green transition — and set a standard for global transport. For anyone invested in rail’s green future, Day 1 of RailTech Europe 2026 is the place to be. Register now and join the conversation.
RailTech Europe is a 2-day event consisting of a free exhibition and an exlusive conference with a different theme on each day. You can obtain a ticket for one day, or both. We hope to welcome you in Utrecht!
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