Athens’ urban rail operator has begun testing a new energy recovery system on the metro’s Line 1, marking the first time such technology has been installed on a Greek railway network as part of efforts to improve energy efficiency and support the transition to greener public transportation.
The system, introduced by STASY, which operates Athens’ rail network, captures kinetic energy generated when trains brake, converts it into electricity and feeds it back into the power grid.
The technology entered trial operation in mid-July at the traction substation in Neo Faliro, with a second installation expected to become operational next week at the Iraklio substation.
Officials estimate that the system will recover around 4,500 megawatt-hours of electricity annually on Line 1, also known as the Green Line or the ISAP electric railway. The recovered energy represents about 12.5% of the line’s annual electricity consumption and is expected to significantly reduce operating costs.
The project also includes the renovation of the traction substations at Neo Faliro and Iraklio, improving power supply reliability and reducing failures caused by aging equipment.
