Europe Solar Powered Trains Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2024-2032)

A solar power train is a train that uses solar energy as its primary source of power. The train's roof is typically covered with photovoltaic panels that capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity that can be used to power the train. The use of solar power in trains has several potential advantages. It can help to reduce carbon emissions and make transportation more sustainable. It can also reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and provide a reliable source of power in areas where electricity may be limited or unreliable. While solar power trains are still in their early stages of development, they have the potential to become a more common form of transportation as the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to grow. As technology advances and the cost of photovoltaic panels continues to decrease, solar power trains may become a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for transportation.

The Europe Solar-powered Trains Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 3.3% owing to the increasing adoption of renewable energy coupled with the increasing demand for economical transportation services along with the stringent government regulations to reduce the carbon footprint. Major companies in the market are focusing on providing solar-powered trains with technologically advanced features along with new product launches, collaboration, and mergers & acquisitions. For instance, in 2023, Brussels announced investments of 680 million for rail transport and renewable energy. La by the European Commission announced a new €680 million investment package to support five major investments in rail transport and renewable energy in the Western Balkans. The announcement comes on the sidelines of the EU-Western Balkans summit, which just ended in Brussels.

Based on the panel location, the market is segmented into roof-mounted, near-track, and on-track. The roof-mounted segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. A roof-mounted solar power train is a type of train that has solar panels installed on its roof to generate electricity for its onboard systems. The solar panels on the train's roof absorb sunlight and convert it into electrical energy, which is then used to power the train's lighting, air conditioning, and other systems, as well as reduce the train's reliance on fossil fuels and make it more environmentally friendly.

Based on the application, the market is bifurcated into freight and passenger. The passenger train segment is expected to register significant growth during the forecast period. Passenger trains are used to carry people and are powered in part or whole by solar energy. Solar panels are installed on the roof of the train to capture energy from the sun, which is then used to power the train's systems. The solar panels on the train roof can provide energy to power various onboard systems, such as lighting, heating and air conditioning, and entertainment systems. This can help reduce the train's carbon footprint and energy costs. Passenger solar power trains are a promising and sustainable transportation option that can help reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. However, they may have limitations in terms of the amount of energy they can generate and store, which can affect their speed, range, and passenger capacity.

Based on the operating speed, the market is segmented into below 100 Km/h, 100-200 Km/h, and above 200 Km/h. The below 100 Km/h segment is expected to witness a significant CAGR during the forecast period. As the solar-powered trains market is in the initial phase, this segment is expected to witness higher adoption as the pilot projects across the world. These trains typically use photovoltaic panels, which convert the energy from sunlight into electrical energy that can be used to power the train's electric motors. In addition to solar panels, solar power trains may also incorporate energy storage systems, such as batteries or supercapacitors, to ensure that the train has enough energy to operate even during periods of low sunlight or when traveling through tunnels or other areas with low levels of sunlight.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the solar-powered trains industry, the market is analyzed based on its regional presence in countries such as Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and the Rest of Europe. Germany is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Germany has witnessed substantial growth in solar energy development over the past few years. Factors such as sustainability targets in European countries are implemented at the fastest rate as most countries are adopting measures required to meet those targets. Similarly, in Germany, solar project developers are developing solar power plants to feed electricity to the railway tracks that are running solar trains. For instance, in 2021, German rail operator Deutsche Bahn and solar project developer Enerparc signed a contract to construct a 42 MW solar power plant in Wasbek, in Schleswig-Holstein, eastern Germany. The solar power generated is fed directly into Deutsche Bahn's 16.7 Hz rail network via a converter plant in Neumunster.

Some of the major players operating in the market include Bankset Energy, GREENRAIL, Jakson Group, LG Electronics, Central Electronics Limited, WorldSolar, Trina Solar, KYOCERA Corporation, Canadian Solar, and AXITEC, LLC.