Over 80 percent of SNCF trains are electrically operated. The aim is to double the proportion of rail traffic in France by 2040. what is done about it?
The French state railway SNCF wants to cover 15 to 20 percent of its energy needs by 2030 with self-generated solar power. Unused railway premises, platform roofs and parking spaces are to be equipped with solar systems, the SNCF announced on Thursday in Paris. In a first step, 1,000 hectares of land and buildings were selected on which as much electricity could be generated as a nuclear power plant can deliver. In the medium term, up to 10,000 hectares of railway areas are to be used to generate solar power, especially along railway lines. With this step, Deutsche Bahn wants to reduce its CO2 emissions and become autonomous in its energy supply.
Over 80 percent of SNCF trains are electrically operated. With a share of ten percent, the railway is France’s largest industrial electricity consumer. Profits that are made with the company’s own power generation should flow into the maintenance and expansion of the railway network. The aim is to double the proportion of rail traffic in France by 2040. SNCF founds a new subsidiary for its own power generation.
Source: Stern
