Solar-powered railroad makes progress in the UK
Powering the UK's Railways with Community-Generated Solar Energy: The Riding Sunbeams Project
The Riding Sunbeams project, a visionary initiative aimed at decarbonizing the railway network and allowing communities to be part of the clean energy transition, is gaining momentum. The project, which partners Thrive Renewables and the Friends Provident Foundation, is set to revolutionize the way railways are powered.
Thrive Renewables, led by Matthew Clayton, the managing director, aims to increase renewable capacity and widen ownership of renewables. Recognizing the significant electricity demand of railways, which is expected to increase as more tracks are electrified, Thrive Renewables is providing financing for the expansion of Riding Sunbeams.
The UK Government's Getting Building Fund has also shown its support for the project, investing £2.5m in Riding Sunbeams. Network Rail, which owns the tracks and has responsibility for electrical power, had to be brought on board for the project to proceed. The first CEO of Riding Sunbeams, Ivan Stone, with a background in delivering major infrastructure projects, including rail and air, played a crucial role in gaining confidence from Network Rail's management.
Riding Sunbeams is considering using a mix of community-owned solar, wind, and battery plants to power trains in Wales. The Cuckmere Community Solar Company in East Sussex will be the first community partner to directly benefit from Riding Sunbeams, feeding electricity into the London to Eastbourne line. The Brighton Energy Cooperative, the first community energy company in Sussex involved in powering trains with renewable energy from solar panels, is also part of this initiative.
The business model of Riding Sunbeams is appealing due to its commitment to community involvement and benefits. The project plans to power 10% of the UK's railway network with community-generated solar energy. By connecting these community-owned energy companies to the rail network, Riding Sunbeams offers a viable market for their power.
Many community solar projects struggle to get off the ground due to a lack of suitable customers with high, predictable power demand. However, the railways, with their consistent and high electricity requirements, provide an ideal customer base for these projects. Riding Sunbeams has completed a successful pilot and is now poised for a wider roll-out.
Colin Baines, investment engagement manager at Friends Provident Foundation, believes in Riding Sunbeams' ability to make its vision a reality. After initially providing a grant for the pilot scheme, Friends Provident Foundation has made a commercial investment in Riding Sunbeams, demonstrating their confidence in the project's potential.
Thrive Renewables has already built a solar farm on waste ground beside the tracks at Aldershot for a pilot project, proving they can feed power into the rail's grid safely and smoothly. The success of this pilot project and the support from various stakeholders indicate a promising future for the Riding Sunbeams project.
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