17. February 2026, 11:04 o'Clock
Article: LEADER by DB Cargo honored as dena Good Practice 2025
The energy efficiency project supports train drivers, saves electricity and impresses as a 2025 showcase project.
Reducing energy consumption with digital solutions: DB Cargo has received the dena Good Practice Project 2025 award for its LEADER driver assistance system. The German Energy Agency (dena) is thus recognizing a project that successfully integrates energy efficiency in rail freight transport into everyday operations. The award-winning project is presented here on the corresponding dena platform.
dena Good Practice Project 2025
The dena Good Practice Project 2025 recognizes particularly exemplary projects for increasing energy efficiency and climate protection. The label is awarded by the German Energy Agency (dena) as part of the Energy Efficiency Award 2025. Each year, up to ten projects are selected from the participating companies as examples of good practice. These companies receive an EEA Good Practice label that can be used for corporate communications.
The award focuses on the demonstrable effect of LEADER on energy consumption. The driver assistance system, which has been in use since 2016, supports train drivers with real-time recommendations for an energy-efficient driving style. Based on route and operating data, LEADER helps to avoid unnecessary energy consumption and make operations more economical.
Acceptance among train drivers is high: more than 95 percent of train drivers actively use the system. LEADER is being developed together with technology partner Knorr-Bremse SfS GmbH.
The savings are measurable. By 2026, around 680 locomotives - around 70 percent of the DB Cargo fleet - had been equipped with LEADER. For electric locomotives, the average energy saving in 2025 was around 12 percent. For diesel locomotives, for which the system has been available since 2025, initial pilot projects show potential savings of 4 to 5 percent.
LEADER also contributes to lower vehicle wear and tear and resource-conserving maintenance thanks to a more consistent driving style. In the future, DB Cargo plans to further develop the system and also use it in European rail freight transport.
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