Dubai, 28 September 2026: ACCIONA is contributing its infrastructure and innovation expertise to RAIL4EARTH, a major European research programme focused on developing more sustainable, efficient and climate-resilient rail systems.
The initiative has particular relevance for the Middle East, where governments are investing heavily in new and upgraded rail infrastructure, increasing the need to ensure transport networks can withstand extreme temperatures and other climate-related weather events.
Funded by Horizon Europe and developed under Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, RAIL4EARTH brings together 73 European organisations, including infrastructure managers, rail operators, construction companies, universities and technology centres.
As part of the programme, ACCIONA will develop and validate an advanced infrastructure monitoring system designed to improve the resilience of rail networks against climate-related events.
The company will also work on sustainable mitigation measures aimed at reducing the impact of extreme weather conditions on railway infrastructure.
Rail systems worldwide are increasingly exposed to challenges including high temperatures, intense rainfall and weather-related disruptions. For the Middle East, where large-scale rail expansion is underway, incorporating climate resilience into infrastructure design and planning is becoming an increasingly important priority.
ACCIONA will also contribute to the project’s circular economy objectives by researching new materials containing recycled components for rolling stock, supporting more efficient use of resources across the rail sector.
RAIL4EARTH began in March 2026 and is scheduled to run until September 2028, followed by a validation phase planned through 2030.
The programme focuses on four main areas: climate change adaptation, energy efficiency, circular economy, and innovation in infrastructure and rolling stock.
Through its participation in RAIL4EARTH, ACCIONA is bringing its experience in complex infrastructure development to research aimed at helping rail networks adapt to the long-term effects of climate change and supporting more resilient transport systems.
