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Truck and Track Summer 2019 48
RAILFREIGHT
A project led by Network Rail and Colas Rail has used solar
lighting and power generation to prove the viability of a
sustainable ‘Site of the Future’, achieving 97% diesel-free
operation insupport of amajor rail renewal project at Llanwern,
SouthWales.
The joint Network Rail and Colas Rail initiative used solar and
battery technologies fromProlectric Ltd instead of diesel generators
to save 6,000 litres of fuel, andmore than 15 tonnes of CO2 during a
14-day project centred around a 72-hour possession over the early
May bank holiday weekend.
The results are being viewed as a significant achievement that
marks an environmental milestone towards clean, carbon-free
off-grid working, in support of Network Rail’s target to reduce non-
traction energy consumption by almost 20% and carbon emissions
by 25% by 2024.
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.”
Solar lighting and power generation technologies were used across
the site covering more than 21 acres. This included access roads,
the welfare cabin area, car parking and the track working area
itself, where the London to Cardiff main line meets the Llanwern
steelworks spur, near Newport. The project spanned a period of 14
days leading up to and following 72-hour possession, with more
than 70 rail staff employed on site.
Three 25kW solar generators replaced conventional diesel
generators providing light and heat for seven welfare cabins,
including site offices, a canteen, toilets and a drying room.
A total of 21 solar tower lights illuminated the site compound, car
parking and work preparation areas, as well as being deployed on
the trackside, where 200m of battery-powered link lighting was
also used and column street lights were positioned along the access
road to the site.
Matthews continues: “It was just as important to explore and
extend the range of renewable applications, including a new solar-
powered camera security system.Wewere also able todemonstrate
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, aswell 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, explains: “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.”
The Llanwern project not only provided feedback to help refine the
solar and battery technologies, but also identified energy-efficiency
initiatives that can contribute to 100% diesel-free operation.
Network Rail & Colas Rail Ltd achieve a
97% diesel-free “Site of the Future”
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