Could track-side solar panels play a role in generating power for rail traffic? Image source: Shutterstock (#116294944)
Imperial College London and 10:10, climate change charity, will start investigating the use of track-side solar panels to power trains. The renewable traction power project aims at connecting solar panels directly to lines that provide power to trains which would bypass the electricity grid. Bypassing the grid is expected to make managing power demand from trains more efficiently. Network Rail is currently investing billions in electrifying the UK’s railways to reduce the number of trains running on diesel fuel, curbing costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing the new method could decarbonize trains lines by 2050. However, in many rural areas the electricity grid has reached its limits in terms of integrating distributed energy generation and supplying power to trains.
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