Automated Guideway Transits: Advancing Sustainable Urban Mobility Aligned with SDGs

Introduction

Public transit systems face the critical challenge of transporting large numbers of passengers affordably while minimizing environmental impact, particularly within dense urban environments. This challenge directly relates to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Automated Guideway Transits (AGTs) have emerged globally as an innovative solution. These mid-sized transit systems offer significant advantages over traditional rail and bus networks by addressing urban space constraints and environmental concerns.

Advantages of AGTs in Sustainable Urban Transport

• Compact Infrastructure: AGTs require a smaller footprint, allowing construction above or around existing roads and buildings, reducing land acquisition and infrastructure costs, and shortening construction periods. This supports SDG 9 by promoting resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization.
• Flexible Route Design: Utilizing rubber tires enables navigation of tighter curves and steeper grades compared to traditional rail, enhancing route flexibility in crowded urban settings.
• Environmental Benefits: Rubber tires reduce noise, vibration, and friction. Combined with electric power, AGTs produce lower emissions than diesel-powered systems, contributing to SDG 13 by combating climate change.
• Automation and Safety: Fully automated operation improves safety by eliminating human error and optimizes energy consumption, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through safer transport systems.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and AGT Leadership

MHI, Japan’s leading AGT manufacturer, holds a 50% domestic market share and operates systems across Asia, the Middle East, and the United States. As a systems integrator, MHI provides comprehensive solutions including track, rolling stock, signaling, power supply, platform doors, and automated fare collection, supporting SDG 9 through innovation and infrastructure development.

Innovation in AGTs: The Launch of Prismo

Key Features of Prismo

1. Onboard Energy Storage System: Prismo incorporates a high-density, high-power battery that recharges within seconds at stations and during braking. This eliminates the need for continuous power rails between stations, reducing infrastructure complexity and costs.
2. Energy Efficiency: The onboard system achieves a 10% energy saving during operation, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by optimizing energy use.
3. System Simplification: Adoption of a single guiderail and elimination of power rails result in a slimmer, simpler system design, lowering construction costs and environmental impact.
4. Reliability: Onboard power ensures Prismo can always reach the next station, enhancing operational resilience.

Environmental and Cost-Reduction Measures

• Use of aluminum alloy for train cars reduces weight compared to stainless steel alternatives.
• Double skin construction improves heat and sound insulation, enhancing passenger comfort and energy efficiency.
• Lighter bogies and seat materials further decrease overall weight.
• LED lighting reduces power consumption.
• Oil-free air compressor in the brake system minimizes environmental impact.

Sustainable Manufacturing at Mihara Factory

Factory Overview and Environmental Initiatives

Prismo trains are assembled at MHI’s Mihara factory in Hiroshima, a facility with nearly 100 years of rail manufacturing experience. The factory integrates advanced manufacturing techniques such as friction stir welding, which reduces the need for solder and enhances product quality.

Aligned with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13, the Mihara plant is a pilot project under MHI’s MISSION NET ZERO initiative, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040.

Renewable Energy and Emission Reductions

• Installation of extensive solar panels on surrounding fallow land enables the factory to source 100% of its electricity from renewable energy, eliminating Scope 2 emissions.
• Energy conservation measures and the use of electric vehicles have significantly reduced Scope 1 emissions.
• The plant has achieved a reduction of approximately 10,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

Quality Control and Testing

The assembly process combines automation with manual craftsmanship to ensure rigorous quality control. Finished trains undergo comprehensive testing on a 1.5-kilometer factory track before delivery, ensuring safety and reliability.

Environmental Leadership and Community Engagement

Carbon Neutral Transition Hub Mihara

The Mihara factory, renamed the Carbon Neutral Transition Hub Mihara, serves as a model for reducing environmental impact across MHI’s global facilities, supporting SDG 13 and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Conservation Efforts

MHI actively conserves the adjacent Wadaoki woodland, providing green space for employees and preserving biodiversity, contributing to SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Impact on Lifecycle Emissions

• Manufacturing improvements have led to a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions during production.
• Prismo’s lifecycle emissions—from manufacturing through operation to disposal—are at least 10% lower than its predecessor, the Urbanismo model.
• Compared to diesel and electric buses with similar passenger capacity, Prismo demonstrates significantly lower emissions, advancing SDG 11 and SDG 13.

Conclusion

MHI’s Prismo AGT exemplifies how innovative transportation solutions can contribute to sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship. By integrating advanced technology, energy efficiency, and carbon neutrality initiatives, Prismo aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, offering a model for future transit systems worldwide.

As MHI’s Mobility business continues to lead green transformation efforts within the company’s GX Solutions segment, the development of Prismo highlights the potential to shape cities, improve environmental outcomes, and positively impact communities globally.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses the development and deployment of Automated Guideway Transits (AGTs), highlighting innovation in transport infrastructure.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Focus on improving urban public transit systems with reduced environmental impact and better integration into crowded urban settings.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Use of electric-powered AGTs with onboard energy storage and renewable energy at the manufacturing plant.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions in manufacturing and operation, including the plant’s carbon neutrality goal.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Use of lightweight materials, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and lifecycle emissions reduction.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 9
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
2. SDG 11
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
3. SDG 7
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
4. SDG 13
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
5. SDG 12
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Use
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption – implied by the factory deriving 100% electricity from renewables.
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP – implied by energy savings from onboard batteries and energy-efficient manufacturing.
2. CO₂ Emissions Reduction
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year – referenced by the plant eliminating 10,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually and a 40% reduction in manufacturing emissions.
3. Access to Sustainable Transport
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport – implied by the deployment of AGTs in urban areas and airports.
4. Infrastructure Quality and Innovation
   • Indicator 9.1.2: Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport – implied by the AGT’s capacity and operational efficiency improvements.
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP – implied by MHI’s innovation in AGT technology.
5. Resource Efficiency
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP – implied by use of lightweight materials and efficient production methods.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: spectra.mhi.com