Solar-powered trains are closer to reality than we might think

Use of solar panels by the side of tracks to provide power to electric trains could make sense given match-up between peak generation and demand

How can we connect solar photovoltaics (PV) directly to railways to power electric trains? That's the question my charity 10:10 and researchers at Imperial College's Energy Futures Lab are trying to answer.

Electric trains are by far the best long distance transport mode when it comes to carbon emissions - at least when their electricity comes from renewable sources like solar or wind.