The work presented in this deliverable D7.2 has been carried out as part of the OPEUS project and in the framework of the collaboration agreement between OPEUS and the S2R Members project FINE1 (Grant agreement No. 730818). The document provides a brief overview on the current use of energy in railway systems as well as proposing areas of action enhancing its potential. Specifically, this document covers strategies being pursued that contribute to the sustainable rail agenda, framing them

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... the role of railways in decarbonising transport and meeting the targets aimed at curbing the effects of climate change. An approach underpinned by an Avoid-Shift-Improve strategy is briefly introduced including a few examples illustrating the potential of the measures included. OPEUS actively contributes to this through the Shift2Rail agenda by i) being part of WA5.1 "Energy" and indirectly supporting several technology demonstrators (TDs), particularly where 'energy saving', 'energy reduction', 'energy optimisation' and/or 'management of energy consumption' features as a desired result, i.e. TDs; 1.1, 1.3, 2.2, 5.5 and 5.6, and ii) contributing to Shift2Rail's opportunities and capabilities plan. Only a holistic approach to energy efficiency will deliver substantial benefits towards decarbonisation. Technical measures and improvements have a key role to play in this strategy, as demonstrated in the OPEUS project. However, it is of paramount importance to frame these efforts in a wider picture consisting of: Land-use and urban planning approach with mobility policy and a systematic support to the most energy-efficient rail modes; A regulatory framework and financial incentives supporting decarbonisation and an energy/emission transition towards decarbonisation; Technical improvements of assets and operation, including the procurement of clean energy source where relevant and possible; Continued support to integrated joint activities aiming at the decarbonisation of transport and the use of rail as the core mode t [...]