Sustainability series: Riding on the world first solar train in Byron Bay Australia

As I was in Byron Bay, it got to ride on the first Solar Train in the world. It was a lovely ride.

I had an interview with Jeremy Holmes, the train developer,  to find out more about the train and if it makes sense from a sustainability point of view.

If you want to know more about my ride on the train, where to stay and what to do in Byron Bay, read my Byron Bay article here.

 

How did you come up with the idea of building the first solar train in the world? Why?

Byron Bay is plagued with traffic problems in peak periods. The intention was to use an existing section of track which had been out of action for thirteen years but not officially closed to establish a train shuttle service between two major centers in the town.

Initially, we planned to run the train on diesel until the technology was ready to convert to solar. Delays in planning approvals and advances in technology coincided to create the perfect time to “give it a go”.

What is the impact of the solar train?

The service generates enough energy to power the train plus 17.5 three-person homes for a year.

We carried 100,000 passengers in the first twelve months, basically replacing more than 1000 vehicle movements per week.

 

How did it work from a cost point of view? Is it cost-competitive with a traditional train?

The setup cost was in excess of $4 million ( Australian). Running costs, compared to “traditional” trains, are lower. There are still significant costs given the technology, regional location, upkeep of the rail corridor and train.

What are the costs and benefits of running the solar train? Do customers care?

We care.

We wanted to do it, people said it couldn’t be done, and we did it.

Some passengers love the heritage aspect of the train. Children just love trains – all the trains it seems!

But yes, most passengers appreciate that we have a fully solar-powered train. There’s nothing like experience. Riding on a solar train proves that it is possible. It’s a beautiful marriage of old-world charm with new world sustainable technology.

 

Besides using solar energy, are there other sustainability actions you are proud of?

Byron Bay Railroad Company has restored a derelict heritage train, repaired three kilometers of railway lines and a bridge and reinvigorated and consequently preserved a section of an out of action rail corridor to provide a heritage rail service linking two key Byron Bay centers. The train operates on energy from the sun.

We were awarded the 2018 Rail Sustainability Award at the Australasian Rail Association Awards in recognition of our work to re-use infrastructure including disused and dilapidated rolling stock (trains) and to bring to life the world’s first solar-powered train.

How do you communicate about your effort on environmental sustainability?

Our message and achievements have reached all corners of the globe. Great Continental Railway Journeys, Discovery Channel, Fully Charged..

We have been fortunate to have many ambassadors telling our story. It also helps that the project is in Byron Bay.

 

Where do you think solar trains could be replicated? Could it in the future replace all trains or will it remain for a specific niche market?

We have been approached by organizations and individuals across the world who are interested in the application of our technology to their various rail projects, from small to very large.

Two of our key Engineers are traveling to Delhi to work with Indian Railways next month and we are in discussion regarding two projects in South America.

 

Is there anything else you want to add?

We were very fortunate to have a small team of down to earth professionals who kept their heads down and got on with it.

We faced a mountain of obstacles, but we persevered and are incredibly proud of our achievements and what we have showcased for the past and the future of rail travel.

 

Don’t miss a ride on the train the next time you are in Byron Bay.

You can find more info on the train and the time table on the Byron Bay solar train website.