On track for solarpunk
Regenerative rail transport, art showcases, solarpunk ASMR and more in our latest round-up
Previously we’ve looked at how people are solarpunking trams, buses and even airships. This week we’re on to trains and metro systems.
Power from the train tracks? Switzerland’s giving it a go
Swiss startup Sun-Ways is testing removable solar panels that fit between railway tracks. A special train rolls out the panels like a solar carpet, making installation quick and maintenance simple.
According to Positive News, the pilot site uses 48 panels expected to generate around 16 kWh per year. If scaled across all 5,300 km of Swiss rail, it could supply about 2% of the country’s current electricity demands. The panels are anti-reflective, self-cleaning and equipped with sensors to monitor performance and safety.
There are still concerns about things like glare, vibrations and fire risks but the three-year trial will monitor it all closely. Interest is already coming in from countries around the world.
Smart reuse of space and clean energy generation feel solarpunk to us. What do you think?
Barcelona’s subways are now charging more than just customers
The Catalan capital’s metro is doing something pretty cool. As this Matt Ferrell video explains, they’re capturing energy from braking trains and using it to power stations and nearby electric vehicle chargers.
This ‘regenerative braking’ is similar to that used in cars. By drawing on this power Barcelona is cutting electricity use, cooling the tunnels and contributing towards their climate goals. You can find out more in the video below.
Links
SOLARPUNK ART 2025 REVEAL STREAM - Andrewism
Biodesign Symposium 2025 - Growing Biodesigners through Worldbuilding in Engineering Education - Solarpunk Manifesto
Create A Sustainable Solarpunk Future In Darrington Press’s Solar Gardens - The Fandomentals
We Deserve Better [New podcast series] - Solarpunking
Beyond The Book: NEVADA [solarpunk thriller] - Novel Nexus
Futuristic Greenhouse 🌞 🌱 SOLARPUNK ASMR - Dreamscape ASMR
How to Fall in Love with the Future: Excerpt - Resilience
Why Bhutan is Building the Anti-Dubai - The B1M
Chattanooga bounces back from polluted past to become North America's first National Park City - Advnture
Global media giants unite to dispel the myth of climate indifference - Positive News
Two weeks off
I’m planning to keep screen-time to a minimum over the next two weeks. That means I won’t be picking up any messages or comments during that time. I’ll aim to read and respond on the other side :)
Get solarpunk rolling
The main way this newsletter grows is people like you sharing it. Help bring a deliciously sustainable future a little closer by passing this onto anyone you think might enjoy a dose of inspiration.
See you in the sunshine,
Alex Holland
Founder, SolarPunk Stories
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