CyclifierCyclifier

All Cyclifiers

A building or a spatial entity that enables or facilitates a new connection between excess and source flows.

solar train tunnel

reviewed by cyclifier.org

Short description

A tunnel protecting highspeed trains from falling trees covered with solar panels.

Description

A tunnel built to protect highspeed trains from falling trees covered in 16,000 solar panels.

Sources

  • www.guardian.co.uk
  • cleantechnica.com

Qualitative Analysis

Description of the Process

A two-mile-long Belgian rail tunnel, built to shelter trains from falling trees, will from Monday provide a double environmental benefit by hosting a unique solar power project. The high-speed line running from Paris to Amsterdam passes Antwerp and a nearby ancient forest. To avoid the need to fell protected trees, a long tunnel was built over the line which has now been topped with 16,000 solar panels. The electricity produced is equivalent to that needed to power all the trains in Belgium for one day per year, and will also help power Antwerp station.

Aerial view of solar power installation on the roof of a rail tunnel in Antwerp, Belgium. http://wordlesstech.com/2011/06/13/16000-solar-panel-train-tunnel/
creative commons
alt Solar panles on tunnel’s roof