Could Londoners in the near future glide around the capital on Tube trains powered by the sun and wind?
A train-tech startup is already generating electricity providing solar power for a busy commuter route into the capital in a project with Network Rail.
The proof-of-concept project by Riding Sunbeams is producing small amounts of electricity from a 100-panel solar array from nondescript railways sidings directly to the live conductor rail of the London to Aldershot line.
Even with the unpredictably of British weather, they say a combination of solar and wind power coupled with improving battery storage technology could help harness more natural power for use at peak times.
It comes as Transport of London researches the viability of using more renewable energy - could it help cut ticket prices?
To find out more about the feasibility of their radical project to use the sun’s power to run your daily train ride and how to move away from diesel-powered locomotives, the Leader podcast is joined by Riding Sunbeams co-founder Leo Murray.
Listen above, and find us on your Spotify Daily Drive or wherever you stream your podcasts.
