Client | Network Rail
Sector | Rail Telecoms Infrastructure
Location | Worlaby, UK
Network Rail sought a cost-effective, practical, and sustainable way to power a trackside repeater — without relying on traditional trackside electricity supplies.
This project became a pilot for exploring renewable energy sources on Britain’s railway, aiming to reduce costs, improve reliability, and lower environmental impact. Traditional solutions, such as drawing power from trackside cabinets or using diesel generators, posed challenges including high installation costs, difficult access, risk of vandalism, and significant carbon emissions.
Access & Security
Trackside power cabinets are costly to install and maintain, and are vulnerable to vandalism.
Environmental Impact
Diesel generators, while reliable, are expensive to run, require frequent maintenance, and are not environmentally friendly.
Operational Efficiency
The solution needed to guarantee uptime, reduce site visits, and provide robust monitoring and diagnostics.
ADComms designed and implemented a hybrid renewable energy system comprising:
12 × 250W Panasonic solar panels
235 Ah lithium-ion battery storage
6kW diesel generator (used only as backup)
The system was engineered to:
Produce 2,631 kWh of solar energy annually (covering 48.5% of total energy needs)
Store 1,632 kWh of excess solar energy
Limit generator use to fewer than 48 starts/year and under 500 litres of fuel annually
The system features innovative design elements, including an all-weather operator enclosure, remote diagnostics, and CCTV surveillance for enhanced security.
With efficient lithium-ion battery storage, reduced power costs through solar harvesting, and a generator requiring just one annual refuelling, the solution ensures reliable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective operation.
ADComms successfully delivered the telecoms scope with zero disruption to the main bridge works. Our ability to execute complex antenna relocations within a tight blockade window directly supported BAM Nuttall’s on-time delivery of the bridge replacement.
Running a diesel generator year-round typically costs around £30,000 and requires over 16 site visits. The solar solution significantly reduces both costs and maintenance. It also brings major environmental benefits by cutting carbon emissions and fuel use, while the system’s design ensures operational reliability with guaranteed uptime and reduced risk of power loss.
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