World first : 100% recycled copper contact wires
ProRail is taking a major step toward the sustainability of Dutch railway infrastructure. This coming weekend, on the Zeeland line, we will replace the overhead contact wires with a version made from 100% recycled copper, in collaboration with Strukton Rail, Railtech BV and La Farga. With this, the Netherlands becomes the first country in the world to implement this sustainable innovation, made possible through a new partnership with these three parties.
Green savings
A total of 36 kilometers of double overhead wire will be replaced with fully recycled copper this year. This will take place on the railway between Roosendaal and Vlissingen in the Netherlands. This application results in a CO₂ reduction of no less than 92% compared to copper from mines. Thanks to La Farga’s innovative technology, copper can be fully recycled and reused, significantly reducing environmental impact. Replacing 75 linear kilometers of fully recycled contact wire results in savings equivalent to the amount of CO₂ absorbed by 20,000 trees per year.
It also saves 99% water usage, 89% fossil fuels, and 99% sulfur dioxide emissions. The 100% recycled contact wire, called Genius, meets the European Standard EN50149 and ProRail’s strict requirements (SPC00069). Genius has the same mechanical and electrical properties as traditionally produced contact wire. The sustainable wires are being installed in Zeeland because the existing wires there are due for replacement. Other bare copper conductors, such as catenary and suspension wires, can also be produced in this way, leading to even greater CO₂ savings.
International collaboration
This innovation is the result of intensive collaboration between international and Dutch partners. At the InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin in 2024, the four parties gave the green light for the use of Genius contact wire on the Zeeland line. Spanish company La Farga, a global leader in copper recycling technology, developed Genius. Railtech BV, supplier of overhead line materials and systems in the Netherlands, delivers the wire. Contractor Strukton Rail carries out the replacement on behalf of ProRail.
“As the railway infrastructure manager, we are proud of this innovative international collaboration,” says Janneke Vogels, Director of Sustainability at ProRail. “By recycling copper and using copper from a circular process for renewing contact wires, we are taking serious steps toward a climate-neutral and circular railway infrastructure.”
Sustainable steps
ProRail aims to promote the structural use of 100% recycled contact wires in tenders and maintenance contracts. The goal is to significantly increase the share of sustainably produced contact wire in the railway sector. This contributes to ProRail’s ambition to achieve at least a 55% CO₂ reduction by 2030 compared to 2015, and supports the achievement of European climate goals.
Tjark de Vries, CEO of Strukton Rail Netherlands, proudly responds: “It’s fantastic that we are experiencing this world first in Zeeland with all involved parties. I call on everyone in the railway sector to further embrace sustainable and circular practices.”
Milestone
Railtech CEO Dick van Harten is also very enthusiastic about this milestone:
"At Railtech, our mission is to work together with partners such as ProRail, La Farga, and the contractors to develop innovative, reliable, and sustainable rail solutions. As a connecting link in the chain, we are proud to contribute to circular products such as this contact wire made from 100% recycled copper. Sustainability is in our DNA. With this development, we are taking an inspiring step together towards a future-proof and fully circular railway."
La Farga
La Farga develops advanced and sustainable copper solutions. They help industries reduce their environmental impact and also address society’s urgent need to protect natural resources and foster sustainable growth. This represents a direct positive impact based on their purpose. “This project is a groundbreaking milestone that proves how innovation and collaboration can truly change the future of mobility. With the first 100% recycled, low-emission contact wire, La Farga proudly leads the way towards a more sustainable world, and we warmly thank all the companies who collaborated to make this achievement possible”, says Inka Guixà, CEO of La Farga.