Enables Purchasing of Electric Vehicles in the Northern Regions through EIB Support - European Investment Bank funds electric trains in northern regions
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a loan to the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, aimed at financing the purchase of 42 electric trains. The details of the loan amount or terms were not explicitly disclosed, but the impact of this investment on Northern Germany's rail traffic system can be outlined based on general context and rail industry trends.
Schleswig-Holstein will utilise the loan to acquire 42 electric trains, a move that aligns with modern trends towards sustainable and zero-emission public transportation. The supplier for these trains is expected to be Alstom, a prominent player in the rail sector known for its high-speed trains and metros.
The introduction of these new electric trains will significantly modernise the regional rail fleet in Schleswig-Holstein. Electric trains produce no local emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of rail transport in the region and contributing to Germany’s climate goals. The enhanced fleet capacity can improve service frequency, reliability, and comfort for passengers, potentially encouraging higher public transport usage and reducing reliance on cars.
This investment supports the broader transition in Northern Germany towards more sustainable transportation networks, complementing other zero-emission vehicle initiatives across Germany and Europe. Improved rail services will enhance regional connectivity, economic development, and mobility options for residents and commuters in Northern Germany.
In July 2023, Alstom received the order to build and maintain the 42 electric trains, with responsibility for their maintenance extending for 30 years. The Vice-President of the EIB, Nicola Beer, attended a meeting with the board of the Landesanstalt ZUG.SH and Economics Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen (CDU) to discuss the partnership.
The new electric trains are scheduled to run on main routes within Schleswig-Holstein, with services between Kiel, Flensburg, the Danish Tinglev, as well as Hamburg and Itzehoe expected to commence from December 2027. This investment in new electric trains is a decisive step towards a modern rail traffic system in Schleswig-Holstein, aligning with wider European efforts to expand clean public transport and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- The loan granted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to Schleswig-Holstein, used for purchasing 42 electric trains, is a part of the broader employment policy in EC countries, aiming to promote sustainable employment within the transportation industry, specifically in finance and technology sectors.
- The acquisition of 42 electric trains by Schleswig-Holstein, financed by the EIB loan, is expected to increase employment opportunities in the region, particularly in the rail industry, as Alstom will be responsible for building and maintaining the new trains for 30 years.
