Lithuania Goes Green: LTG Cargo Invests EUR 115M in Electric Locomotives for a Sustainable Future

LTG Cargo invests EUR 115.66M in 17 electric locomotives, cutting CO₂ emissions and transforming Lithuania's freight rail industry.

LTG Cargo has announced the purchase of 17 state-of-the-art electric locomotives as part of its ambitious railway electrification project. The contract, valued at EUR 115.66 million and signed with Spanish manufacturer Stadler Valencia, marks an important moment in Lithuania’s journey toward sustainable and emission-free rail transport.

According to LTG Cargo, the agreement includes spare parts, maintenance, and support services for the first three years of operation. The deal also allows for the option to procure an additional 17 locomotives in the future to meet growing demand. The new locomotives will primarily operate on the Vilnius-Klaipėda corridor, one of Lithuania's busiest freight routes, where half of the country’s rail cargo is transported annually.

A Step Toward Greener Freight Transport

Eglė Šimė, General Director of LTG Cargo, commented on the importance of this investment in advancing Lithuania's sustainability goals. "The acquisition of electric locomotives is an important step not only in the railway electrification program implemented by the LTG Group. This acquisition marks the beginning of a new – even more sustainable and reliable – type of freight transportation by rail," said Šimė.

She also added, "Electric locomotives are approximately three times more efficient than diesel locomotives, so we will be able to offer our customers not only greener but also more competitive freight transportation services."

With the electrification of the Vilnius-Klaipėda railway section, renewable energy sources will power the network, ensuring freight trains operate without emitting any carbon dioxide. This initiative aligns with broader European Union efforts to decarbonize transportation sectors and reduce environmental impact.

Efficiency and Power Redefined

The electric locomotives are designed to enhance operational efficiency significantly. Compared to traditional diesel-powered locomotives, these new models will require less frequent repairs and eliminate downtime for refueling or oil changes. Additionally, the energy consumption of electric locomotives will directly correspond to the weight of the cargo being transported, optimizing performance further.

Audrius Pukas, Head of Technological Asset Management at LTG Cargo, explained the core difference between diesel and electric locomotives:

"Diesel locomotives essentially operate like running power plants: an internal combustion engine powered by diesel fuel spins an electric generator, which produces electricity and supplies it to the electric traction motors driving the rolling stock. Electric locomotives are driven forward by electricity directly from the contact network."

Pukas also noted the introduction of regenerative braking technology, which will allow energy accumulated during braking to be fed back into the network for reuse. This innovation improves energy efficiency and reduces operational costs.

As RAILMARKET.com reports, the first batch of electric locomotives, capable of hauling 5,700-ton freight trains, is expected to arrive in Lithuania by early 2027. Meanwhile, the LTG Group’s railway electrification project remains on track to be completed by the end of 2025. Once finalized, 28% of Lithuania's railways will be electrified. The completion of this project is anticipated to reduce annual air pollution by 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide, a major win for Lithuania's environmental efforts.

Source: LTG Cargo; RAILMARKET.com