LNER has partnered with clean energy firm Treeva to trial a new technology that captures energy generated by passing trains and converts it into renewable power.
Three small wind turbines have been installed alongside the East Coast Main Line at Hitachi Rail’s Craigentinny depot in Edinburgh, marking the first deployment of the technology on a UK main line railway.
Designed to harness turbulent airflow created by trains, the turbines operate without a grid connection and can be installed on unused land near the track. The energy generated will be monitored and used to power low-energy assets, helping assess the potential for wider rollout.
Each turbine stands around six feet tall and is built using upcycled materials. According to the project team, a single unit can generate enough electricity to power a third of a small station’s lighting, four CCTV cameras or two passenger information screens.
Treeva estimates that five turbines could reduce carbon emissions by more than 12,000kg of CO₂ annually.
The project forms part of the Future Labs innovation programme, which connects start-ups with train operators to develop practical solutions for the rail industry. Treeva has continued working with LNER since participating in the programme, leading to the current proof-of-concept installation.
Anjali Devadasan, CEO and co-founder of Treeva, said the aim is to unlock new sources of clean energy within existing infrastructure.
“By capturing energy created by passing trains, we can turn unused land into a meaningful source of power,” she said.
Mark Haymer, Innovation Product Owner at LNER, said the trial represents an important step in testing new ideas.
“We’re looking forward to analysing how the turbines perform over the coming months,” he said. “The data will help determine how this technology could support the move towards a lower-carbon railway.”
The turbines will remain in place for at least six months while performance data is collected and evaluated.
