Is the Welsh Government monitoring the recent trial in Switzerland using solar panels installed between railway tracks to generate clean energy, and if so, how does it intend to implement the findings?
The Welsh Government always looks with interest to international examples of innovation in renewable energy. Railway infrastructure in Wales (outside of the Core Valley Lines (CVL)) is owned and managed by Network Rail. We remain committed to improving the railways in Wales and continue to work with Transport for Wales and partners such as Network Rail to deliver for passengers.
Whilst we have no plans to install solar panels on the CVL, we are supporting our own green energy innovations such as those pioneered by the SPECIFIC Institute at Swansea University. SPECIFIC seeks to develop innovative solutions so that buildings and infrastructure can become active energy generating units. It has thus far has developed demonstrator units for a classroom, an office, a warehouse and a home.