The contract is part of Poland's “Zielona Kolej” program, which means the “Green Railway Program” in English. The program aims to transition the railways in Poland to the use of renewable energy sources for traction, with a goal of 85% by 2030.
In 2022, around 25% of the energy needed to power CTL Logistics’ trains will come from renewable sources. In 2023, this figure will rise to 50%, and by 2025 CTL aims to achieve 100%.
The signing of the contract is the next step in the cooperation of both companies, after signing the letter of intent regarding the Zielona Kolej program, which took place in April 2021. Thus, CTL Logistics becomes the first freight carrier in Poland whose transports will be powered by green energy from renewable sources, which is in line with the assumptions of building a sustainable and environmentally friendly railway.
“I am very glad that the first freight carrier – CTL Logistics – is joining the Zielona Kolej program,” said Wojciech Orzech, president of PKP Energetyka. “This agreement is an important step toward building an environmentally friendly and competitive railway sector. Today, the use of renewable energy is not only an important factor increasing the attractiveness of the transport offer, but also an important step in strengthening the security and energy independence of the railway sector.”
The contract between PKP and CTL covers a period of seven years (from 2024 to 2030), with an option to extend for another three years until the end of 2033. Under an additional agreement, CTL Logistics was able to purchase energy from renewable energy sources already in 2022 up to the level of 25%.
Grzegorz Bogacki, president of CTL Logistics, added, “At CTL Logistics, we are convinced that the future will belong to green and sustainable rail transport. We are building this future today, and with each successive year we will be getting closer to the point where our transport will become completely climate neutral. We are proud to sign a contract with PKP Energetyka, thus becoming a leader in pro-environmental changes among Polish freight carriers.”