Railways have long been a cornerstone of sustainable transportation, offering a lower-carbon alternative to road and air travel. But as the world pushes toward net-zero goals, the question arises: can renewable energy sources like solar power take rail systems even further? The answer isn’t just a possibility—it’s already happening in innovative projects worldwide.
Take India, for example. In 2020, Indian Railways—one of the largest rail networks globally—announced plans to become a “net-zero carbon emitter” by 2030. A key part of this strategy involves installing solar power systems across stations, rooftops, and even along tracks. By mid-2023, over 1,000 stations had been equipped with solar panels, generating enough electricity to power lights, signaling systems, and other infrastructure. This shift not only cuts emissions but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which account for a significant portion of rail operating costs.
But trains themselves require massive amounts of energy. Can solar realistically power moving locomotives? The technology isn’t there yet for direct, round-the-clock solar-powered trains, but creative solutions are bridging the gap. In the UK, a project called Riding Sunbeams has pioneered solar farms directly connected to railway lines. These installations bypass the traditional grid, feeding clean energy straight into the third rail or overhead cables that trains use. Trials in 2022 showed that solar could meet up to 15% of the energy demand on certain routes—a figure expected to grow as panel efficiency improves.
Australia’s Byron Bay Railroad Company offers another glimpse of the future. Their solar-powered train, launched in 2017, uses panels on the roof and a solar farm at the station. Excess energy is stored in onboard batteries, allowing the train to run even when the sun isn’t shining. While this is a small-scale operation (the route spans just 3 kilometers), it proves that decentralized solar systems can work for rail—especially in regions with abundant sunlight.
Of course, challenges remain. Trains consume energy measured in megawatts, and solar installations require significant land or infrastructure space. However, advancements in bifacial panels (which capture sunlight on both sides) and floating solar farms on bodies of water near rail lines are expanding options. Germany’s Deutsche Bahn, for instance, is testing solar panels mounted between tracks, turning otherwise unused land into energy generators.
Cost is another factor. While solar infrastructure requires upfront investment, prices have plummeted over the past decade. The International Energy Agency reports that solar is now the cheapest electricity source in history in most countries. For railways, this translates to long-term savings. France’s national rail operator, SNCF, estimates that transitioning to renewables could cut energy costs by 25% by 2030.
Critics argue that solar alone can’t meet the high energy demands of heavy freight or high-speed trains. That’s where hybrid systems come in. Pairing solar with wind energy, battery storage, or hydrogen fuel cells creates a resilient mix. The Netherlands, for example, powers all electric passenger trains with wind energy but is now integrating solar to diversify its renewable portfolio.
The shift isn’t just about technology—it’s about reimagining infrastructure. Solar canopies over stations, like those at Blackfriars Station in London, provide shade while generating power. In Japan, researchers are developing solar-painted railways, where photovoltaic materials are applied directly to tracks. These innovations show how railways can evolve from energy consumers to sustainable power hubs.
As climate urgency grows, railways have a unique opportunity to lead the transport sector’s green transition. Solar power isn’t a silver bullet, but its scalability and falling costs make it a critical piece of the puzzle. From powering rural lines in Kenya to supporting high-speed corridors in California, solar is proving that clean energy and rail transport are a natural fit. The tracks are set—now it’s time to accelerate.