Solar powered trains: Advancing carbon-free public transportation

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• December 3, 2021

Insight summary

Solar-powered trains have gained traction globally, with notable examples in China, Australia, and India showcasing the potential of renewable energy in rail systems. This transition reduces carbon emissions, fosters sustainable communities, and presents economic opportunities through job creation and advancements in energy storage solutions. It also prompts governments to invest in renewable infrastructure and collaborate to meet carbon reduction targets, contributing to a more sustainable future for transportation.

Solar power train context

In 2012, the Shenzhen area in China embarked on an ambitious plan as part of the country's 12th Five-Year Plan. This plan aimed to harness the power of solar panels to energize various public facilities, including train stations. The initial success of connecting a network of 20,000 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, with an output capacity of seven megawatts, to the new Hongqiao station on the Peking-Shanghai high-speed line in 2010 garnered significant attention. This achievement ignited a desire to transition to direct electrification of trains in the coming decades.

In Australia, engineers unveiled a solar-powered battery train, showcasing the potential of renewable energy in rail transportation. Similarly, in India, solar energy is used to provide additional power to diesel engines, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. It's worth noting that several global train stations, such as London Blackfriars and Antwerp Central Station, have also embraced solar energy as a means of sustainable power generation.

The integration of solar panels into railway infrastructure represents a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable transportation system. By tapping into the power of the sun, these solar cells reduce both carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. As the global community seeks innovative solutions to combat climate change and mitigate environmental impacts, the widespread adoption of solar-powered trains and stations signifies a promising shift towards a more sustainable future.

Disruptive impact

Research conducted by Riding Sunbeams highlights the potential economic benefits of producing solar energy from direct current traction power systems. In the UK alone, this approach could lead to annual savings of over four million pounds. This cost reduction also allows for the reallocation of resources to other projects. 

Beyond the economic advantages, the widespread adoption of solar-powered trains contributes to global initiatives aimed at combating climate change. As governments and companies increasingly prioritize sustainability, the integration of solar power into transportation networks represents a vital step in achieving carbon reduction targets and creating a greener future. Diversifying the energy mix also reduces vulnerability to disruptions and price fluctuations. Additionally, as companies invest in research and development to optimize solar power integration, new employment opportunities may emerge, fostering expertise in renewable energy technologies.

The shift towards solar-powered trains also has implications for urban planning and the development of sustainable communities. By reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, these initiatives contribute to healthier living environments. Solar panels integrated into railway stations can also serve as community assets, generating clean energy that can be shared with neighboring buildings or used to power nearby facilities. This decentralized approach to energy generation promotes local resilience and empowers communities to take an active role in their energy supply.

Implications of solar powered trains

Wider implications of solar powered trains may include:

• A reduced dependency on the national grid among rail networks, allowing public funding to be directed towards different industries.


• The electrification of rail networks can indirectly lead to the modernization of national electricity grids to enable more decentralized smart grids among the rural communities that rail networks serve.


• The promotion of a low-carbon transportation option for long distance travel, similar to how electrified subways systems provide low-carbon mobility to urban travelers. 


• New employment opportunities to develop, improve, and maintain these solar transportation systems, as well as research opportunities for scientists to study the efficacy of solar power trains in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.


• Governments investing in renewable energy infrastructure, leading to increased cooperation and collaboration among nations to meet carbon reduction targets and address global environmental concerns.


• Research and innovation in energy storage solutions, such as advanced battery technologies, to ensure consistent and reliable power supply even during periods of limited sunlight.


• Workers in traditional energy sectors undergoing retraining and transition into renewable energy jobs.

Questions to consider

• Could another renewable form of energy be used to power trains as well? Would it be more effective? 


• What negative side-effects do you think solar powered trains might have?