The lowest AI energy-per-kilometer rail vehicle in the world, unveiled in Nancy, France

The UrbanLoop is a prototype electric public transport system focused on providing low-carbon mobility for individuals as a rival to the car in terms of speed and travel time. This rivalry is because the key concepts guiding the design were eliminating waiting times at stops and forcing passengers to use connecting lines.

The UrbanLoop is a cutting edge low-carbon urban mobility solution that was developed by the local Université de Lorraine.

The insight that have birth to this innovation goes back in 2017, when students from the University were set out to answer the question: ‘What is the optimal mobility solution for a fixed matter/energy quantity?’ According to UrbanLoop sources, the designers found out that individual electric transportation was paradoxically more efficient than mass transit.

To prevent bumping into each other, individual pods communicate with one another through a decentralized system. This allows them to be positioned within 3 millimeters of each other with an error probability of less than 109.

To reduce waiting times at stops, the network will use a predictive algorithm to send pods where they need to be in order to meet demand. The idea here is to increase efficiency so that the pods never run empty, and people do not experience waiting times. Furthermore, the pods do not have their own power source – instead, they use the rails themselves.

Stops be on a separate line, so they do not cause congestion, as opposed to trams, metros and conventional rail. Additionally, the pods are supposed to run in a closed environment to shield them from the elements. However, the loop does not need to be filled with a special gas or create a vacuum, thus preventing the shortcomings of many similar projects.

One of the first real-world trials of the urban loop took place in 2021, where the team was able to set the world record for the lowest energy consumption per kilometer for any rail vehicle. Back then the team used the occasion to present their concept to the Minister of Transport, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, and Mathieu Klein, Mayor of Nancy and a vocal supporter of the project. the future of the UrbanLoop seems even brighter, as, in 2024, there will be a test track at the Paris Olympics, while in 2026, the innovation will debut in the public transit system in Nancy.

Photo credits: Urban Transport Magazine
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CEE Climate Connect Agenda

09:30 – 10:00

Welcome Coffee

An informal opportunity for participants to meet and greet each other over coffee before the session begins.

10:00 – 10:15

Welcome Remarks

Ciprian Stănescu, President, Social Innovation Solutions
Ramona Chiriac, Head of the European Commission Representation in Romania
Ana-Maria Pălăduș, Vice President, REPER21, National Coordinator for the EU Climate Pact in Romania

10:15 – 10:45

Participant Introductions

In this session, each participant will have the opportunity to introduce themselves briefly, sharing their role, the organization they represent, and their key areas of focus related to climate action and sustainability. This session is designed to give attendees a better understanding of who is present and to start identifying potential points of collaboration. 

10:45 – 12:00

Facilitated Networking Activities

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These activities are designed to help attendees make impactful connections in a short amount of time and foster potential long-term partnerships.

12:00 – 12:30

Lunch

A relaxed networking lunch where participants can continue their conversations and deepen connections made during the morning sessions.

ESG Leaders Forum Agenda

09:00 - 10:00

Registration and Welcome Coffee

10:00 - 10:15

Introduction and Welcome Address

Ciprian Stănescu, President, Social Innovation Solutions
Philippe Gabulon, CEO Societe Generale Global Solution Centre
Alexandru Mihai Ghigiu, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office

10:15 - 10:45

Panel 1: Legislation

Elena Cargnello, Chair of the ESG Committee, Cogenio
Florin Spătaru, State Counselor in the Prime Minister’s Office

10:45 - 11:15

Panel 2: Sustainable Finance & Investment

Andrei Gurin, Team Lead, Sustainable Finance Unit, DG FISMA, European Commission
Aleksandra Palinska, Executive Director, Eurosif
Theresa Spandel, Senior Analyst, CLIMATE & COMPANY
Rep. BRD

11:15 - 11:45

Panel 3: ESG Measurement and Reporting

Alexander Stevens, CEO, Greenomy
Fenya Sourla, Co-founder and COO, Dataphoria
Kaisa Karjalainen, Director, Mission Zero Academy

11:45 - 12.30

Panel: Examples of Good Practice in Business

Ioana Botezatu, Head of CSR, Romania & India, Societe Generale Global Solution Centre
Raluca Mocanu, Sustainability Leader, IKEA România
Boualem Saidi, Country Group Head (Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova), Bayer
Corina Dospinoiu, Sustainability Director, Auchan România

12:30 - 13.00

Coffee Break

13.00 - 14.00

Breakout Sessions (3 simultaneous topics)

Room 1: Legislation
Room 2: How to make Sustainable Financing work (workshop led by Theresa Spandel, on implementation of the CSRD)
Room 3: ESG Measurement and Reporting in Practice (session led by Alexander Stevens)

14.00 - 15.00

Networking Lunch

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