"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
29 Mar 2023
Switzerland is set to become the first country in the world to install solar panels between railway tracks. This innovative project aims to harness the power of the sun to provide renewable energy for the country's railway system.
The startup called Sun-Ways is waiting for a sign-off from the Federal Office of Transport to start installing their panels between the tracks near Buttes Station in the west of the country. It consists of a series of solar panels that will be installed between the tracks, utilizing the space that is currently unused. The panels will be connected to the electricity grid and will provide power for the trains as well as for nearby communities.
The project is part of a broader effort to transition Switzerland's transportation system to renewable energy sources, reducing the country's carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. With the Swiss national railway network stretching beyond 2,000 miles of track, estimates place the amount of power generation at potentially beyond 1 terawatt hour or 2% of the entire gross annual consumption
The project is a testament to Switzerland's commitment to sustainability and innovation, and it offers hope for a more sustainable future for all. By harnessing the power of the sun and utilizing unused space, Sun-Ways demonstrates the potential for creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.