By Alfrique Mwana and Angela Mutiso
A Solar-Powered Rail System Offers a Game-Changing Solution
Climate change is a threat that requires urgent action across all sectors, including transportation worldwide. According to UNEP’s pollution action note (2023), approximately 7 million premature deaths occur annually worldwide due to air pollution.
This could be due to indoor and outdoor pollution. Indoor pollution is largely caused by burning firewood, crop waste, or dung, whereas outdoor pollution results from continued industrialization and transportation. The report shows that outdoor air pollution poses the most significant risk to human health and is the leading cause of premature deaths. Additionally, the report indicates that 20% of deaths from heart diseases are caused by outdoor pollution globally.
Research by Railbus company indicates that transportation systems cause 25% of emissions worldwide. In Africa, the most significant pollutant is windblown dust and vehicles. Most African countries still rely on the colonial trains propelled by diesel. Equally, vehicles are second-hand vehicles that emit volumes of smoke into the atmosphere. The lack of environmental law enforcement mechanisms contributes to the blatant use of unroadworthy vehicles. Adopting clean energy globally in different sectors to reduce emissions is the way to mitigate air pollution. Conventional fuel-powered machines significantly contribute to greenhouse gases and air pollution in cities, especially Nairobi. In 2015, Kenya submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce 30% of greenhouse gases produced by the transport sector by 2030.
While advancements in electric vehicles offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against climate change, significant challenges remain. One often-overlooked contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is the continued use of colonial-era coal and diesel trains in many African countries. Though vital for transporting goods and people, these locomotives spew harmful pollutants. This situation presents a crucial crossroads. On the one hand, these ageing trains provide a vital transportation lifeline, especially for bulky goods. On the other hand, their continued dependence on fossil fuels hinders progress towards a cleaner future.
Developed nations have successfully transitioned to electric trains, demonstrating a cleaner and faster alternative. These electric locomotives boast significant advantages: they are emissions-free, contribute to a quieter environment, and offer improved efficiency. The key to unlocking this potential lies in technology transfer and infrastructure development.
By collaborating with developed nations and international organizations, African countries can acquire the necessary technology and expertise to establish modern electric or solar rail networks. Furthermore, adopting solar-powered train systems presents a more exciting future. These cutting-edge trains harness the sun’s power, offering a sustainable transportation solution. While still under development, solar trains hold immense promise for Africa, a continent blessed with abundant sunshine.
Investing in efficient transportation systems goes beyond just replacing old trains. By promoting cleaner alternatives, we can encourage a shift from single-vehicle transportation, further reducing air pollution. A multi-pronged approach that includes electric buses, carpooling initiatives, and improved cycling infrastructure can significantly decrease the number of vehicles on the road, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Using efficient interconnecting rail would reduce the number of vehicles on the roads for urban mobility. Railbus company has developed a railcar that is a zero-emission solution that runs entirely on renewable electricity. This transformative technology is a 21st-century train that runs purely on batteries and thus plays a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change by significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from urban mobility. The railcar uses lithium-ion batteries and can recover energy when slowing down. This allows it to run on electricity efficiently without directly releasing any pollution.
Furthermore, the railbus system employs dynamic vehicle connections and schedules trips to optimize energy efficiency. This adaptive approach significantly reduces the energy required per passenger, thereby decreasing indirect emissions associated with electricity generation compared to traditional fixed-propelled transit systems. Studies by the company indicate that railbus technology can achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 80% relative to conventional diesel buses and up to 60% compared to electric buses powered by fossil fuel-dominated grids.
“RAILBUS Interior, including seats, panels, roof lining, floor, and door interiors, is made from recycled microfiber derived from polyester fibres (T-shirts, fibres, etc.) and PET plastic (bottles, packaging materials, etc.). Recycling PET results in an 80% reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions into the atmosphere compared to the traditional petrol-based PET production process.”
This technology is a combination of efficiency and speed. A trip from Embakasi in Nairobi to Westlands for example, would take less than 30 minutes, making it an efficient mass transportation system. The carriages are equipped with rubber tires and advanced sensor technology; this enables them to autonomously navigate along a predetermined path, which is established through a virtual tracking system rather than physical rails. In Amsterdam, the citywide railbus system running on solar and wind power has reduced the city’s transportation-related emissions by 27% in three years, while in Singapore, a renewable-powered railbus corridor has cut emissions by 37% while enhancing mobility and accessibility for commuters. Africa is seen as a hope for the world to reduce atmospheric emissions because of its greenness and tracks of forest land. Railbus would present an opportunity for Africa to preserve its ecosystems while enjoying the benefits of rapid transportation and a boost in economic and social development.
Moreover, there will be reduced traffic jams, increased productivity time for employees, increased recreational and park areas, reduced expenses per capita, road maintenance expenses and much more. Nothing good comes easily; as the saying goes, it is an expensive investment that requires time and dedication from African governments if we are to leave a better world for generations to come. Solar arrays along rail lines feed clean power into the railbus network, while strategically placed battery banks at stations provide energy storage and load balancing capabilities. Beyond its inherent efficiency, the railbus system actively facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity grid.
Africa stands at a crossroads. Traditionally, transportation development has followed a linear path—from colonial-era trains to electric locomotives. However, Africa has the potential to rewrite this narrative. The continent can achieve a transformative leap forward by embracing solar-powered rail systems, unlocking a future brimming with economic and social prosperity.
Imagine reducing the gridlock of traffic jams in African cities by 50%, with employees enjoying increased productivity due to shorter commutes. Reduced reliance on personal vehicles would translate into more green spaces for recreation and parks. Furthermore, a solar-powered rail system would significantly reduce per capita transportation expenses, not to mention a decrease in road maintenance costs.
While the initial investment may be substantial, the long-term gains are undeniable. African governments have a crucial role in prioritizing this transformative shift, ensuring a legacy of sustainability for future generations. The technology behind solar-powered rail systems is remarkably efficient. Solar arrays strategically positioned along rail lines can directly feed clean electricity into the network. Battery banks stationed at critical points can store excess energy and provide load-balancing capabilities, ensuring consistent power supply. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and actively facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid, fostering a more resilient and sustainable electricity infrastructure.
One of the most pressing challenges African nations face is the high cost of electricity generation. This translates to inflated power prices, squeezing profit margins for manufacturers and hindering economic growth. Governments are constantly seeking ways to bring down electricity costs. A solar-powered rail system offers a game-changing solution. By introducing clean and affordable energy sources into the national grid, stability and resilience are significantly enhanced. Lower electricity costs would attract more manufacturing investors to the region, creating a ripple effect of job creation and economic opportunities for local citizens. The benefits extend beyond immediate economic gains. A cleaner, more efficient transportation system reduces air pollution, leading to a healthier environment and improved quality of life. Less reliance on fossil fuels also reduces carbon footprint, contributing positively to the fight against climate change.
The railbus technology represents a critical climate change solution by providing an emissions-free, energy-efficient, and renewable-enabled transportation system for sustainable urban mobility. Solar-powered rail systems are not simply a mode of transportation; they are a powerful engine for progress. While electric vehicles have garnered much attention, the issue of outdated, polluting trains in Africa must be addressed. By embracing technological advancements, fostering international collaboration, and promoting a broader shift towards sustainable transportation systems, Africa can unlock a brighter future characterized by economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and a healthier, more vibrant society.
Alfrique Mwana is a communication for development specialist– otienoalfy@gmail.com
Angela Mutiso is the editorial consultant of the Accountant Journal – cananews@gmail.com