A Greener Hauptbahnhof Unveiled

On 9 Dec., the ÖBB’s Hauptbahnhof partially opens for regional train services, including the regional express trains to/from Bratislava. Five tracks and four platforms will be available as of now, and by 2015, the €1 billion infrastructure project will be completed and open for international train journeys, which are currently departing from Wien Meidling and Wien Westbahnhof.

Meanwhile, ÖBB announced that this landmark project would be equipped with some of the latest cutting-edge energy-saving technology: Among others, the flattened parts of the impressive diamond-shaped platform roof will carry 1,200 square metres of photovoltaic panels, providing electricity for lighting.

Twenty customer lifts and 29 escalators will generate power using kinetic energy from braking mechanisms when 10+ individuals ascend. Additionally, the station will also use geothermal energy for heating and cooling, providing approximately 25% of its thermal energy needs.