France Tests Solar Panels on Railway Tracks to Boost Green Energy.
SNCF’s Green Energy Initiative
The French national railway company, SNCF, has launched an innovative experiment to install solar panels on railway tracks as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts. The project, called Solveig, aims to harness renewable energy to power railway operations and infrastructure.
The pilot phase started on January 17, 2024, in the commune of Ascher, north-central France. Engineers installed eight photovoltaic panels on tracks using a telescopic manipulator, ensuring stability against wind and optimal exposure to sunlight. Over the next six months, specialists will evaluate the panels’ efficiency and durability.
How the System Works
The project utilizes a containerized solar system, designed by SNCF’s subsidiary AREP. The system allows for easy transportation, installation, and removal of solar panels, making it a scalable and flexible solution.
Key advantages of this approach:
✅ Efficient use of unused railway tracks
✅ Quick deployment with ISO-container compatibility
✅ Potential export of the technology worldwide
If testing proves successful, SNCF plans to scale the project to unused railway lines, turning them into sources of localized renewable energy. The energy generated could support train station operations, maintenance centers, and other railway infrastructure.
SNCF’s Renewable Energy Goals
SNCF has ambitious plans to install 1,000 MW of solar capacity by 2030. With 80% of its trains already running on electricity, the company is exploring innovative ways to power its network sustainably.
AREP has also conducted a large-scale solar potential assessment of SNCF’s land—covering 113,800 hectares—using advanced mapping, data analysis, and modeling techniques.
What’s Next?
The current six-month test phase will determine the feasibility of integrating solar panels into railway infrastructure. If successful, the project could revolutionize how rail networks contribute to clean energy production, not only in France but potentially worldwide.
