Europe’s Rail Future: Overcoming Challenges for Widespread Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) by 2030

The Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) technology deployment in Europe faces challenges, including data handling, production scaling, and certification processes.

The push for Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) technology in Europe’s rail freight sector has gained significant attention as the 2030 implementation deadline draws near. While the technology promises to revolutionize rail freight by improving efficiency, safety, and interoperability, questions about its digital components and large-scale production still loom. Hugo Tabouret, Technical Affairs Manager at UNIFE (the Union of European Railways Industries), recently spoke with RailFreight.com about the ongoing challenges surrounding DAC and the path forward.

🎤Thank you to @railfreightcom for speaking to our colleague Hugo Tabouret, on the benefits of the Digital Automatic Coupling!

🚄Put simply, DAC is the future of rail freight because it will:

🆙Improve European rail freight efficiency by 15%
👷‍♀️Boost safety for workers
🚥Allow… pic.twitter.com/pSAwFdGaT3

— UNIFE The RAIL IND. (@UNIFE) November 21, 2024

Digital Components and Data Handling Concerns

As the digital aspects of the system remain a key area of uncertainty, Hugo Tabouret explained that the issue of how data gathered through DAC will be stored and shared is still under development. "This is something that is still under development. As part of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking’s System Pillar, options are still being discussed. For instance, clouds where the data could be stored and then shared according to specific contracts between different entities," said Tabouret. The data-sharing arrangements are still in flux, and discussions are ongoing regarding how different stakeholders, such as rail operators and freight companies, will access and manage the information collected.

Challenges in Large-Scale DAC Production

Another pressing issue is the lack of a clear plan for DAC manufacturing on a large scale. While various scenarios for the number of DAC units needed are being considered, there is no definitive plan for the production requirements. "Currently, estimations for how many DAC units will be needed are based on different scenarios. But it is important to know which scenario will be chosen before undertaking irreversible investments," Tabouret commented to RailFreight.com. He pointed out the need for clarity in the decision-making process to ensure the manufacturing capacity is appropriately scaled. If additional DAC manufacturing sites are required, policymakers at both the EU and Member State levels must demonstrate their commitment to supporting this expansion. "We need a clear understanding of how many DAC units will be needed and which type so that the production can be adapted," he said.

Certification and Authorization Procedures: A Focus for UNIFE

While DAC technology itself is not a barrier, the certification and authorization procedures could slow down the process, especially for retrofit wagons. Tabouret stated it was important to ensure that these procedures are not too burdensome, saying, "We have to make sure that certification and authorization for retrofitted wagons stay quite flexible in case new ones are needed." To facilitate this, UNIFE is working closely with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) to ensure that the regulatory framework for DAC remains efficient and cost-effective, avoiding unnecessary hurdles for companies looking to implement the technology.

The 2030 deadline for DAC deployment remains within reach, according to Tabouret, provided there is both political will and adequate financial backing. "What will be key for DAC is that European rail freight business will be supported throughout the pre-deployment and deployment phases," he said. With the pre-deployment phase set for 2026, and large-scale implementation slated for 2030, he believes the goal is achievable if funding is allocated in a timely and effective manner.

Disagreements on DAC Implementation Across Europe

Despite broad support for DAC, there are differing opinions among EU countries. Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are among the strongest proponents, while countries like Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland have raised concerns about the implementation and funding. In some countries, such as the Netherlands, the support for DAC from institutions and industry players is not fully aligned. Furthermore, some sector associations, including ERFA (Euroepan Rail Freight Association), argue that projects like ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) should take priority over DAC when it comes to financial support.

Source: RailFreight.com