TÜV study shows great PV potential for railroad infrastructure

24.09.2024

Photovoltaics on rail infrastructure could supply Deutsche Bahn with up to 2.9 billion kWh of electricity every year, according to a study by TÜV-Rheinland.

Six types of installation locations, three scenarios with regard to implementation timescales: TÜV-Rheinland has shed light on the potential for photovoltaics on rail infrastructure. The study commissioned by the German Center for Rail Transport Research (DZSF) at the German Federal Railway Authority shows: More than "a quarter of the railroads' total annual electricity requirements can be additionally generated sustainably by PV modules in the track bed, on and in noise barriers, on noise protection embankments and open areas close to the tracks, as well as on the roofs of buildings and of trains".

In a "Scenario A", the authors of the study have summarized PV installations with high technical and economic potential and low LCOE. According to the study, a capacity of 380 million kWh per year could be realized with ground-mounted PV and systems at train stations, canopies, noise barriers and noise protection walls. Implementation is possible in the short term.

Scenario B" is based on a similar distribution of PV applications, but with proportionately higher potential. The experts classify the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) as "medium". They see the total potential at
910 million kWh per year. And they are talking about medium-term feasibility.

"Scenario C" adds up all technically possible potentials. The annual PV potential then reaches 2.94 billion kWh. The authors assume electricity generation costs of 25 cents/kWh. According to this scenario, the railroads could cover almost 27 percent of their electricity requirements with PV.

According to the study, the total usable area in and around the rail infrastructure is 30 square kilometers - the equivalent of more than 4,000 soccer pitches.

According to TÜV Rheinland, the basic technology for PV integration into the rail infrastructure is basically available, although modifications and adaptations to the rail infrastructure will be necessary. For example, projects for direct feed-in into the 15 kV overhead line have been rare to date and are more likely to be regarded as pilot projects.
"There are currently no systems for direct feeding into the 15 kV overhead line available on the market." There is also a need for research into protection, power regulation, grid short-circuit performance and stability for the large-scale application of direct feed-in.

According to TÜV, it has taken a close look at PV systems and components with regard to their suitability for railroad applications. Compared to conventional PV systems, a particular requirement was to investigate the specific influences, such as how vibrations and soiling affect PV components in the track bed.

As a result, against the backdrop of the railroad infrastructure "already operating at the limits of its capacity", TÜV advises implementing scenario A first and gathering practical experience to further exploit the potential. Ultimately, the aim is to "overcome all challenges with minimal risk".

Author: Jonas Rosenberger
Source: Energy & Management Powernews