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South African Youth Develops A Solar-Powered Train That Can Change The Lives Of Many People In The Region. The Country Is Experiencing Constant Power Outages And Crises That Have Worsened With The Pandemic.
A group of South African teenagers, after years of watching their parents frustrated because they could not use trains due to the constant lack of energy, decided to develop a solar-powered train. With solar panels installed on the roof, the train can travel on tracks over a distance of 500 m, in Soshanguve, north of the capital.
Youth Develops Solar-Powered Train After 15 Years Of Power Cuts
Trains are the cheapest means of transport in the South African country, primarily used by low-income citizens and working-class individuals. According to Ronnie Masindi, 18, his parents no longer use rail transport due to cable theft and power outages, referring to the ongoing failures in old coal power plants.
The public energy company, Eskom, began imposing intermittent power cuts about 15 years ago to prevent a national blackout. Called load shedding locally, these electricity supply interruptions have worsened over the years, impacting commerce and industry, including railways.
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The service of the state logistics company Transnet is also affected by the theft of electrical cables, which has increased due to the economic crisis triggered by the pandemic.
Teenagers Will Receive Government Assistance To Best Develop The Solar-Powered Train
Initially, the solar-powered train project faced several difficulties, mainly regarding financing, until the government decided to contribute.
The vehicle can travel up to 30 km/h and was showcased at a recent university innovation exhibition in South Africa. So far, the prototype has made only 10 round trips. The goal is to conduct further studies and present them to the government as a model that can be utilized.
According to the professor responsible for overseeing the project, Kgomotso Maimane, it was discovered that if given time, resources, and some guidance, students can achieve what any other student around the world can. The solar-powered train even has a television for passenger entertainment.
Solar Panels Installed At Train Station In São Paulo
Last year, in the city of São Paulo, solar panels were installed in Vila Olímpia through a partnership between Santander bank and Eletromidia. The EDP, a company that operates in all sectors of the energy market, was responsible for the solar energy utilization system capable of producing 8,500 kWh of renewable energy per month.
The intention of the station with solar energy equipment is to contribute to a more pleasant experience for people commuting through the station.
After carefully analyzing station flows, Eletromidia’s design team brought various solutions that reduce environmental impact, generate sustainability concepts, and improve the circulation and stay of users.
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