A recent project that has been led by the Network Rail and Colas Rail services has used both solar lighting and used power generation in order to prove the viability of an acceptable ‘Site of the Future’.

They have achieved a total of 97% of operation that is Diesel Free in the support of a major rail renewal project that has taken place at Llanwern, in South Wales.

The joint initiative of Network Rail and Colas Rail has used both solar and battery technologies from Prolectric Ltd in the place of diesel generators in order to save an approximation of 6,000 litres of fuel, and more than 15 tonnes of CO₂ that takes place during a project lasting a period of 14 days that is centred around a possession of 72 Hours over the early bank holiday weekend of May.

The results that were received are being viewed as significant achievements that symbolise an environmental milestone that is heading towards clean, off-grid working that is carbon-free, in the support of Network Rail’s target to reduce non-traction energy usage by around 20% and to reduce carbon emissions by a percentage of 25% by the year of 2024.

Solar lighting and power generation technologies have been used across the site itself covering more than 21-acres of it. This Area included access roads, the welfare cabin area, car parking and the track working area as well, where the main line between London and Cardiff meets the Llanwern steelworks spur, near Newport. The project had a length of 14 days prior to and after 72-hour possession, This project included over 70 rail staff that were employed on the site.

Three 25kW solar generators were used in order to replace the conventional diesel generators that are normally used to supply light and heat for seven welfare cabins, including the site offices, the canteen, the toilets and also the drying room.

21 solar tower lights lit up the site, including the sites compound, car parking area and work preparation areas, as well as being placed on the trackside, where around 200m of battery-powered link lighting has also used, alongside some column street lights that were positioned down the access road that leads to the site.

The Llanwern project did in fact not only provide feedback that will help refine the solar and battery technologies, but it did also identify initiatives about energy efficiency that will contribute towards the plan for 100% diesel-free operation.

What did the officials say?

Nick Matthews, Network Rail programme engineering manager, said:

“In business improvement, generally a one or two percent gain is considered significant, so to achieve 97% at the first attempt is simply staggering. Saving close to 6,000 litres of diesel is the same as driving a family car at 40 mpg twice around the circumference of the world.

“It’s also very clear where we have learnt the lessons from Llanwern so we can close that small gap. We really want to get to that 100% fuel free-figure by the time of our next challenge, planned for a rail renewal project later in the summer.”

“It was just as important to explore and extend the range of renewable applications, including a new solar-powered camera security system. We were also able to demonstrate the versatility of using portable lithium battery packs, recharged as necessary from the solar generators to power dust suppression systems, water cooler stations and point motors.”

“Using diesel generators to support rail renewal work has been the only option for reliable off-grid power. Now viable solar technologies are being seen as a vital contribution to non-traction carbon targets, as well as to reduce the noise, smell and air pollution from diesel exhausts, especially next to residential areas.

“The environmental impact of running diesel generators all day on a major worksite like Llanwern is absolutely huge,” explains Matthews. “It’s not just about carbon emissions; our lineside neighbours are very important to us. By using solar harvesting, we’re not polluting their environment with unwelcome fumes and noise.”

Ryan Ballinger, production manager for Colas Rail, explained:

“We have worked closely to drive the development of suitable on-site solar tower lights and walking lights.  Now at Llanwern we have been able to add solar generators for the first time and moving forward we want to add smaller plant and tools such as disk saws and band saws.

“There’s no doubt these technologies are going to be a complete gamechanger. Now, we need to push on and get to the point where they are just business as usual.”

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