ScotRail is to deploy AI-powered digital twin technology in a bid to help reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency at its stations and depots.
The national rail operator will deploy cutting-edge technology developed by Swansea-based OptimiseAI, whose platform enables organisations to monitor energy usage and carbon emissions in real-time.
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive analysis, and ScotRail hopes to identify areas where it can make substantial carbon savings.
The tool allows the train operator to assess the performance of its locations against the UK Energy Performance Certification standard. This benchmarking provides a clear understanding of how stations and depots perform relative to common standards.
Developed at Cardiff University, the tool’s algorithm studies utility performance data from comparable buildings to identify specific measures that can reduce consumption, improve efficiency, and save money.
David Lister, ScotRail safety, sustainability & asset director, said: “We’re excited to partner with Optimise AI on this groundbreaking initiative.
“Reducing our carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency is a top priority for ScotRail. By using digital twins, we can gain a deeper understanding of our energy use and take meaningful steps to reduce emissions across all our stations and depots.
“This partnership, combined with our move to 100 per cent UK renewable energy for our stations and depots, will help us build a greener future for Scotland’s Railway.”
