🇸🇪 🇫🇷 Luleå Railway Research Center signs a strategic partnership agreement with train manufacturer Alstom
Press release from Luleå University of Technology
This year, Luleå Railway Research Center (JVTC) at Luleå University of Technology celebrates 25 years with several successful projects over the years. Here, researchers develop high-tech maintenance methods and solutions for new and existing railways. The aim is to ensure safe, failure free, and sustainable train operation at the lowest possible cost. In connection with the anniversary celebration, Luleå University of Technology signed a strategic partnership agreement with Alstom, the world’s second largest train manufacturer, where the ambition is for new ground-breaking research results to be spread and utilized through commercialization.
This year, when the government focuses on maintenance of the existing railway system, JVTC turns 25 years old. JVTC conducts innovative research and development with a focus on making operation and maintenance of the entire railway system both efficient and effective.
The railway system importance for green transition
Thanks to JVTC’s unique geographical location with its proximity to both Stambanan Upper Norrland and the Iron Ore line, research is made possible that is in demand worldwide. JVTC has access to an operational railway that serves as a test and demonstration environment, delivering real-world data. The approximately 50 researchers at LuleÃ¥ University of Technology are one of Europe’s largest research groups in their field and have an important and leading role when it comes to research in railway maintenance.
“Now that northern Sweden is becoming an engine for the green transition, the research at JVTC can contribute to a well-functioning and reliable railway, which is a prerequisite for the global climate transition,” says Uday Kumar, professor of operation and maintenance at LuleÃ¥ University of Technology and Director of JVTC.
JVTC develops tools, methods, and technology to, through optimal maintenance, minimize the negative effects of climate change on railway systems and infrastructure.
Collaboration in research, innovation and education
During the JVTC anniversary on 13th of June, a strategic partnership agreement was signed between Luleå University of Technology and Alstom. The parties will cooperate in research-innovation-education. The collaboration concerns education, research, and technical support, which aims to share experiences and expertise.
“We are very happy about our strategic partnership agreement with Alstom and look forward to sharing their expertise in railway technology. The partnership agreement is further proof that JVTC is both a nationally and internationally established party in railway research. The goal is to find new innovative solutions and methods for maintenance and development of the railway and thus sustainable transport. That development is a requirement for the green transition,” says Birgitta Bergvall-KÃ¥reborn, Vice-Chancellor at LuleÃ¥ University of Technology.
Alstom is a world leader in smart and sustainable transport. Alstom is the largest operator on the Swedish railway market with over 1000 delivered trains, Alstom performs maintenance in 16 depots around Sweden and delivers the new ERTMS system to the Swedish Transport Administration. Through the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation in 2021, the company’s Swedish operations have multiplied.
“We are very happy to start this collaboration and hope that it will lead to increased knowledge exchange, research collaborations and innovations in railway technology. By combining our industrial experience and expertise with LuleÃ¥ University of Technology’s academic resources, we look forward to developing innovative solutions and technologies for green mobility and the railway system. Collaborations on internships and training programs for students can also train and attract new talent to the railway industry,” says Maria Signal Martebo, CEO of Alstom Transport Sweden AB.
