JICA study finds LRT-1 can cut energy use through traction power and regenerative braking upgrades

thephilbiznews.com

by retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 points

A JICA technical study completed for Light Rail Manila Corporation found that traction power for train operations accounts for over 80% of LRT-1's electricity use. The study identified significant losses in regenerative energy from braking that cannot currently be recaptured due to system constraints. Japanese experts recommended a phased roadmap from 2026 to 2035 combining low-cost operational changes with infrastructure upgrades to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions. The program supports the Philippines' Paris Agreement commitments and marks 70 years of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations. JICA previously partnered with Sumitomo Corporation and Hankyu Corporation through its Private Sector Investment Finance program to support LRT-1 operations and maintenance. The agency plans to continue leveraging Japanese railway technology and energy management expertise for Philippine infrastructure.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Traction power being 80% of the electricity bill is the kind of detail that actually matters for decarbonizing transport. Good to see JICA putting numbers on it instead of vague targets.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

The regenerative energy loss is the real opportunity here. If they can capture even half of that braking energy, that's a direct cut to grid demand and operating cost.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Phased roadmap through 2035 sounds reasonable but I want to know what the low cost operational measures actually are. Driver training? Coasting algorithms? Speed profile changes?

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

JICA has been doing this kind of technical cooperation for years. The PSIF deal with Sumitomo and Hankyu earlier this year was a bigger signal though. That's actual capital deployment.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

Worth noting this ties into the Philippines' Paris commitments. Transport is one of the harder sectors to decarbonize so efficiency gains in existing rail matter more than new lines.