Network Rail and Colas
Project Savings
Carbon Savings (kg of CO2e)
Fuel Savings (litres)
Cost Savings
Background
An ambitious project led by Network Rail and Colas Rail used innovative solar lighting and power generation to prove the viability of a sustainable ‘Site of the Future’, achieving 97% diesel-free operation in support of a major rail renewal project at Llanwern, South Wales.
The joint Network Rail and Colas Rail initiative used solar and battery technologies from Prolectric instead of diesel generators to save 6,000 litres of fuel, and more than 15-tonnes of CO2e during a 14-day project centred around a 72-hour possession over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.
Challenge
Network Rail and Colas wanted to achieve near emissions free ‘Site of the Future’. Our clean, silent solar lighting and power generation technologies were used across the site covering more than 21-acres.
This included access roads, the welfare cabin area, car parking and the track working area itself, where the London to Cardiff main line meets the Llanwern steelworks spur, near Newport. The set up and core works spanned a period of around 14-days leading up to and following 72-hour possession, with more than 70 rail staff employed onsite.
The Solution
Two solar generators replaced conventional diesel generators providing light and heat for seven welfare cabins, including site offices, a canteen, toilets and a drying room. A total of 21 ProLight solar tower lights illuminated the site compound, car park and work preparation areas, as well as being deployed on trackside, where 200m of ProTrack battery- powered link lighting was also used. Our ProTemp column street lights were positioned along the access road to the site.
It was just as important to explore and extend the range of renewable applications, including a new solar powered Gate Guardian camera security system. It was also possible to demonstrate the versatility of using portable lithium battery packs, recharged as necessary from the solar generators to power dust suppression systems, water cooler stations and point motors.
Using diesel generators to support rail renewal work has been the only option for reliable off-grid power. Now viable solar technologies are being seen as a vital contribution to non-traction carbon targets, as well as to reduce the noise, smell and air pollution from diesel exhausts, especially next to residential areas. The first thing that staff and visitors noticed at the Llanwern compound was how quiet it was, compared to the usual continual background hum of diesel generators.
The Result
“The environmental impact of running diesel generators all day on a major work-site like Llanwern is absolutely huge,” explains Ballinger.
“It’s not just about carbon emissions; our lineside neighbours are very important to us. By using solar harvesting, we’re not polluting their environment with unwelcome fumes and noise.” The Llanwern ‘Site of the Future’ project is the culmination of determined development work driven by Network Rail and the Colas Rail team to adapt and refine solar and renewable technologies for the rail industry, with an aspiration to achieve diesel-free operation as standard.
Ryan Ballinger, explains: “We have worked closely to drive the development of suitable onsite solar tower lights and walking lights. The Llanwern project not only provided feedback to help refine the solar and battery technologies, but also identified energy-efficiency initiatives that can contribute to 100% diesel-free operation.”
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What our clients
have to say
A 97% diesel reduction at the first attempt is a great achievement. Saving close to 6,000 litres of diesel is the same as driving a family car at 40 mpg twice around the circumference of the world. It’s also clear where we have learnt the lessons from Llanwern so we can aim to close that small gap. We really want to get to that 100% fuel-free figure by the time of our next challenge, planned for a rail renewal project later in the summer. There’s no doubt these technologies are going to be a complete game-changer and we need to push on to get to a place where using this type of technology is just business as usual.
Ryan BallingerProduction Manager
I was familiar with the off-grid benefits of Prolectric solar lighting from previous trials, so I knew that using the ProTemps at Euston would mean we would get reliable site illumination without having to connect to mains electricity, therefore achieving a welcome saving in utility charges. As the substation site is next to a residential estate, it was also important that we make all reasonable efforts to reduce our impacts, such as noise from generators. My role at Skanska is to encourage environmental improvement and promote the use of equipment powered by renewable sources. It is important for contractors to be aware of solar-powered alternative for temporary lighting where it can reduce any adverse environmental impacts, and it will also help to save on project costs.
Richard CattanEnvironmental Manager
We have approximately 50 Prolectric Solar Tower Lighting Units in use. We have a high level of confidence in both Prolectric as a business and the products they produce as well as the after sales service and support they provide. As an Approved Vendor, the growing number of units across the business has had the added benefit of removing a large amount of Diesel powered equivalents from the site. I would recommend Prolectric as I have found them to be both amenable and professional to deal with and look forward to doing further business with them in the future.
Richard ThompsonReliability Engineer – Infrastructure Utilities
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