South Eastern Railway has launched a pioneering trial of a new passive cooling technology on the Tonbridge to Hastings line, aimed at improving rail reliability during extreme heat. In partnership with UK green tech start-up Flint Engineering, the railway operator is deploying the patented IsoMat system to tackle soaring temperatures inside signalling cabinets, some of which can exceed 70°C in summer.
The IsoMat technology, developed by Flint Engineering, offers a maintenance-free, powerless, and non-invasive solution that can be installed in under an hour. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, IsoMat reduces peak internal temperatures by over 21%, significantly lowering the risk of heat-related failures in critical railway infrastructure.
This summer, ten of the Kent Route’s highest-risk cabinet locations will be fitted with IsoMat units, following a successful pilot trial. The initiative is part of a broader collaboration with Network Rail’s Technical Authority and Contracts & Procurement department, exploring sustainable, climate-resilient technologies for the UK’s rail network.
