{"id":2027858,"date":"2026-07-05T05:00:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-05T02:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2027858"},"modified":"2026-07-05T05:00:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T02:00:10","slug":"italy-could-be-the-next-country-to-build-a-solar-railway-after-switzerlands-successful-trial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2027858","title":{"rendered":"Italy could be the next country to build a solar railway after Switzerland\u2019s successful trial"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/37\/90\/1200x675_cmsv2_08ddd015-4096-5f19-be21-c19a1ae3fb19-9823790.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907424-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2907424\" data-cid=\"9825905\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907424-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/59\/05\/189x106_cmsv2_5264bacb-4fce-5a3b-877a-6e999e86f33d-9825905.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vice President JD Vance speaks during the International Naval Review aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the US.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    United Kingdom<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    JD Vance says &#8216;beautiful&#8217; Britain has been &#8216;failed by its leadership&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907426-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2907426\" data-cid=\"9825935\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907426-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/59\/07\/189x106_cmsv2_5b232605-3159-5c36-92fe-11f4ece70488-9825907.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Weather forecast for Tuesday 7 July in Spain\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Climate<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Up to 44\u00b0C in Spain, red alerts expected in several regions\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907416-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2907416\" data-cid=\"9825884\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907416-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/58\/84\/189x106_cmsv2_7ee6d579-a016-55e1-8e4c-f93a9c643140-9825884.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"This new travel pass makes it easier to explore England&apos;s Lake District\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Explore England\u2019s Lake District with this new unlimited travel pass\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907404-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2907404\" data-cid=\"9825860\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907404-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/58\/60\/189x106_cmsv2_d3dbff0a-ed6e-5ec5-87bc-26b9c0ad46d1-9825860.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | July 5th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | July 5th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907424-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2907424\" data-cid=\"9825905\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907424-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/59\/05\/189x106_cmsv2_5264bacb-4fce-5a3b-877a-6e999e86f33d-9825905.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vice President JD Vance speaks during the International Naval Review aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the US.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    United Kingdom<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    JD Vance says &#8216;beautiful&#8217; Britain has been &#8216;failed by its leadership&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907426-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2907426\" data-cid=\"9825935\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907426-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/59\/07\/189x106_cmsv2_5b232605-3159-5c36-92fe-11f4ece70488-9825907.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Weather forecast for Tuesday 7 July in Spain\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Climate<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Up to 44\u00b0C in Spain, red alerts expected in several regions\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907416-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2907416\" data-cid=\"9825884\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907416-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/58\/84\/189x106_cmsv2_7ee6d579-a016-55e1-8e4c-f93a9c643140-9825884.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"This new travel pass makes it easier to explore England&apos;s Lake District\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Explore England\u2019s Lake District with this new unlimited travel pass\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907404-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2907404\" data-cid=\"9825860\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907404-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/58\/60\/189x106_cmsv2_d3dbff0a-ed6e-5ec5-87bc-26b9c0ad46d1-9825860.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | July 5th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | July 5th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Earth<\/p>\n<p>                          Earth News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Italy could be the next country to build a solar railway after Switzerland\u2019s successful trial<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/37\/90\/1536x864_cmsv2_08ddd015-4096-5f19-be21-c19a1ae3fb19-9823790.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Solar panels on an active railway track in Switzerland\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Solar panels on an active railway track in Switzerland<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Sun-Ways<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Sun-Ways\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspLiam Gilliver\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1783227610\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-07-05 07:00:10 +02:00\">05\/07\/2026 &#8211; 7:00 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay 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alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Solar railways could soon become commonplace in Europe, following a successful trial in Switzerland.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--earth js-article-content\">\n<p>Europe\u2019s infrastructure is embracing the renewables boom, with one company determined to transform the continent\u2019s railway lines into mini solar farms.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Last year, Swiss start-up Sun-Ways unveiled the world\u2019s first-ever solar railway after rolling out 100 metres of photovoltaic (PV) panels in between active tracks in Buttes, a village in the Val-de-Travers district.<\/p>\n<p>Originally planned as just a three-year trial, the railway was fitted with 48 specially-designed solar panels with a combined power of 18 kWp.<\/p>\n<p>However, the positive results yielded just one year into the trial mean the installation of a permanent system along the railroad track is now likely, Euronews Earth has been told. <\/p>\n<h2>Are solar railways efficient?<\/h2>\n<p>Solar panels are often installed at a specific angle to ensure they absorb the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year. <\/p>\n<p>In Spain, for example, the optimal angle for efficiency is between 30\u00b0 and 35\u00b0. According to a 2022 study published in Science Direct, a 34\u00b0 tilt on solar panels in the Iberian Peninsula resulted in annual production losses lower than one per cent.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s why sloped rooftops are naturally convenient locations to install panels \u2013 while garden fences, balconies and flat roofs will generate less energy in comparison. <\/p>\n<p>Sun-Ways estimates that the loss of production due to the lack of inclination of the railway panels is only around 10 per cent. Still, in one year, the project has produced around 16,000 kWh. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Rooftop solar can provide five hours of &#8216;free&#8217; air conditioning a day. But is it green?<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Europeans are making the most of cheap solar panels \u2013 by creating green garden fences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>To put this into perspective, this is roughly the same amount of energy an average UK home uses, where everything is powered by electricity (such as heating, hot water, lighting and appliances).<\/p>\n<p>In theory, solar panels could be rolled out across the entirety of Switzerland\u2019s 5,317 kilometre-long railway network \u2013 covering a size equivalent to 760 football fields or more than 50,000 times the trial coverage.<\/p>\n<p>Sun-Ways estimates that this has the potential to produce around one Terawatt hour (TWh) of electricity every year, around two per cent of the country\u2019s total energy consumption. <\/p>\n<h2>Are solar railways safe?<\/h2>\n<p>Transforming railway tracks into renewable energy hubs is no easy feat, and comes with its own set of unique challenges.<\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest concerns, previously expressed by the International Union of Railways, is that the panels could suffer micro-cracks, lead to a higher risk of fires and distract train drivers due to reflections.<\/p>\n<p>Sun-Ways has tackled these issues by building more resistant panels than what would be installed on rooftops, fitted with an anti-reflection filter. <\/p>\n<p>Built-in sensors also ensure they work properly while brushes attached to the end of trains can remove dirt from the panels\u2019 surface.<\/p>\n<p>When asked if there were any issues within the first year of operation, Sun-Ways told Euronews Earth that \u201cthe plant worked perfectly\u201d and that it didn&#8217;t have to carry out any \u201cspecial maintenance\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor this first pilot project, the electricity is sent directly to the grid,\u201d the company adds. \u201cBut we are already working to reinject the electricity produced with Sun-Ways power plants directly into the railway substations or into the train traction line.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Will solar railways become the norm across Europe?<\/h2>\n<p>Following its successful trial in Switzerland, Sun-Ways has just signed a collaboration contract with an Italian business partner who is in contact with the country\u2019s national railway infrastructure, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana.<\/p>\n<p>Plans to launch a pilot project in the coming months will be unveiled soon.<\/p>\n<p>Sun-Ways has also received government approval to install another solar railway in South Korea, while discussions are underway with Dutch, Chinese, Indian and Singaporean companies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2906556-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2906556\" data-cid=\"9821555\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906556-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/15\/55\/480x270_cmsv2_817bf4f0-e0c4-504b-be78-71d31384acfb-9821555.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A pharmacy&apos;s thermometer during a heatwave in Rome, 23 June 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU pivots from climate mitigation to adaptation in bid to beat heat<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905724-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2905724\" data-cid=\"9817019\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905724-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/70\/19\/480x270_cmsv2_9ea1995c-b722-5894-9448-95df4446b008-9817019.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Tourists enjoy cooling off at a public water fountain In Paris, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo\/Christophe Ena )\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Keeping cool has become Europe&#8217;s latest climate class war<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904923-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2904923\" data-cid=\"9813617\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904923-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/36\/17\/480x270_cmsv2_af489101-e6b9-57a0-b1cf-d6fb2030f916-9813617.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A worker drinks water on a construction site during high temperatures in Boulogne Billancourt, outside Paris, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe\u2019s heatwave \u2018virtually impossible\u2019 50 years ago &#8211; analysis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Renewable energies<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Switzerland<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  clean energy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  solar power<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Fossil fuels<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Trains<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907426-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907426\" data-cid=\"9825935\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907426-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/59\/07\/320x180_cmsv2_5b232605-3159-5c36-92fe-11f4ece70488-9825907.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Weather forecast for Tuesday 7 July in Spain\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Up to 44\u00b0C in Spain, red alerts expected in several regions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907224-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907224\" data-cid=\"9825232\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907224-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/52\/04\/320x180_cmsv2_fd68315b-776f-59d7-8053-5ae9f2e8045f-9825204.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Illustration of Paludocyon moyasolai from Els Casots\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New species of prehistoric bear dog found in Catalonia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2907286-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907286\" data-cid=\"9825461\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907286-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/54\/59\/320x180_cmsv2_b5ea34b2-d00d-50fa-9780-6402926deeb3-9825459.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ARCHIVE (18.09.2024). Firefighters work to extinguish a fire in a eucalyptus forest on the outskirts of Sever do Vouga, a town in northern Portugal\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain and Italy send firefighting resources to Portugal<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2904844-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904844\" data-cid=\"9813227\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904844-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/32\/27\/320x180_cmsv2_88cbe5b8-33b6-57dc-a23b-0fdbe6f32fca-9813227.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Storks in a nest\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    See the Croatian village where storks outnumber people three to one<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2906673-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906673\" data-cid=\"9822316\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906673-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/22\/42\/320x180_cmsv2_1958f8f9-4d70-50c2-bd5b-7967b33cb825-9822242.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Fire in Guarrom\u00e1n, Ja\u00e9n.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain on wildfire alert as active blazes prompt evacuations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907286-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907286\" data-cid=\"9825461\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain and Italy send firefighting resources to Portugal<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907079-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907079\" data-cid=\"9824467\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    El Ni\u00f1o is \u2018strengthening rapidly\u2019. How worried should Europe be?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907224-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907224\" data-cid=\"9825232\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New species of prehistoric bear dog found in Catalonia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2906960-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906960\" data-cid=\"9823790\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Switzerland\u2019s solar railway has been a success. What happens next?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907209-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907209\" data-cid=\"9825150\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Up to 42\u00baC in Spain, nine regions on extreme heat alert<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906556-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2906556\" data-cid=\"9821555\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906556-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/15\/55\/480x270_cmsv2_817bf4f0-e0c4-504b-be78-71d31384acfb-9821555.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A pharmacy&apos;s thermometer during a heatwave in Rome, 23 June 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU pivots from climate mitigation to adaptation in bid to beat heat<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905724-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2905724\" data-cid=\"9817019\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2905724-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/70\/19\/480x270_cmsv2_9ea1995c-b722-5894-9448-95df4446b008-9817019.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Tourists enjoy cooling off at a public water fountain In Paris, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo\/Christophe Ena )\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Keeping cool has become Europe&#8217;s latest climate class war<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904923-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2904923\" data-cid=\"9813617\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904923-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/36\/17\/480x270_cmsv2_af489101-e6b9-57a0-b1cf-d6fb2030f916-9813617.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A worker drinks water on a construction site during high temperatures in Boulogne Billancourt, outside Paris, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Earth News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe\u2019s heatwave \u2018virtually impossible\u2019 50 years ago &#8211; analysis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907426-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907426\" data-cid=\"9825935\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907426-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/59\/07\/320x180_cmsv2_5b232605-3159-5c36-92fe-11f4ece70488-9825907.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Weather forecast for Tuesday 7 July in Spain\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Up to 44\u00b0C in Spain, red alerts expected in several regions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907224-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907224\" data-cid=\"9825232\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907224-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/52\/04\/320x180_cmsv2_fd68315b-776f-59d7-8053-5ae9f2e8045f-9825204.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Illustration of Paludocyon moyasolai from Els Casots\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New species of prehistoric bear dog found in Catalonia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907286-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907286\" data-cid=\"9825461\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907286-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/54\/59\/320x180_cmsv2_b5ea34b2-d00d-50fa-9780-6402926deeb3-9825459.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ARCHIVE (18.09.2024). Firefighters work to extinguish a fire in a eucalyptus forest on the outskirts of Sever do Vouga, a town in northern Portugal\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain and Italy send firefighting resources to Portugal<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904844-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2904844\" data-cid=\"9813227\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904844-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/81\/32\/27\/320x180_cmsv2_88cbe5b8-33b6-57dc-a23b-0fdbe6f32fca-9813227.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Storks in a nest\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    See the Croatian village where storks outnumber people three to one<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906673-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906673\" data-cid=\"9822316\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906673-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/22\/42\/320x180_cmsv2_1958f8f9-4d70-50c2-bd5b-7967b33cb825-9822242.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Fire in Guarrom\u00e1n, Ja\u00e9n.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain on wildfire alert as active blazes prompt evacuations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907286-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907286\" data-cid=\"9825461\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain and Italy send firefighting resources to Portugal<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907079-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907079\" data-cid=\"9824467\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    El Ni\u00f1o is \u2018strengthening rapidly\u2019. How worried should Europe be?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907224-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907224\" data-cid=\"9825232\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New species of prehistoric bear dog found in Catalonia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906960-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906960\" data-cid=\"9823790\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Switzerland\u2019s solar railway has been a success. What happens next?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907209-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907209\" data-cid=\"9825150\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Up to 42\u00baC in Spain, nine regions on extreme heat alert<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Europe\u2019s infrastructure is embracing the renewables boom, with one company determined to transform the continent\u2019s railway lines into mini solar farms.Last year, Swiss start-up Sun-Ways unveiled the world\u2019s first-ever solar railway after rolling out 100 metres of photovoltaic (PV) panels in between active tracks in Buttes, a village in the Val-de-Travers district.Originally planned as just a three-year trial, the railway was fitted with 48 specially-designed solar panels with a combined power of 18 kWp.However, the positive results yielded just one year into the trial mean the installation of a permanent system along the railroad track is now likely, Euronews Earth has been told.\u00a0Are solar railways efficient?Solar panels are often installed at a specific angle to ensure they absorb the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the year.\u00a0In Spain, for example, the optimal angle for efficiency is between 30\u00b0 and 35\u00b0. According to a 2022 study published in Science Direct, a 34\u00b0 tilt on solar panels in the Iberian Peninsula resulted in annual production losses lower than one per cent.It\u2019s why sloped rooftops are naturally convenient locations to install panels \u2013 while garden fences, balconies and flat roofs will generate less energy in comparison.\u00a0Sun-Ways estimates that the loss of production due to the lack of inclination of the railway panels is only around 10 per cent. Still, in one year, the project has produced around 16,000 kWh.\u00a0To put this into perspective, this is roughly the same amount of energy an average UK home uses, where everything is powered by electricity (such as heating, hot water, lighting and appliances).In theory, solar panels could be rolled out across the entirety of Switzerland\u2019s 5,317 kilometre-long railway network \u2013 covering a size equivalent to 760 football fields or more than 50,000 times the trial coverage.Sun-Ways estimates that this has the potential to produce around one Terawatt hour (TWh) of electricity every year, around two per cent of the country\u2019s total energy consumption.\u00a0Are solar railways safe?Transforming railway tracks into renewable energy hubs is no easy feat, and comes with its own set of unique challenges.One of the biggest concerns, previously expressed by the International Union of Railways, is that the panels could suffer micro-cracks, lead to a higher risk of fires and distract train drivers due to reflections.Sun-Ways has tackled these issues by building more resistant panels than what would be installed on rooftops, fitted with an anti-reflection filter.\u00a0Built-in sensors also ensure they work properly while brushes attached to the end of trains can remove dirt from the panels\u2019 surface.When asked if there were any issues within the first year of operation, Sun-Ways told Euronews Earth that \u201cthe plant worked perfectly\u201d and that it didn&#8217;t have to carry out any \u201cspecial maintenance\u201d.\u00a0\u201cFor this first pilot project, the electricity is sent directly to the grid,\u201d the company adds. \u201cBut we are already working to reinject the electricity produced with Sun-Ways power plants directly into the railway substations or into the train traction line.\u201dWill solar railways become the norm across Europe?Following its successful trial in Switzerland, Sun-Ways has just signed a collaboration contract with an Italian business partner who is in contact with the country\u2019s national railway infrastructure, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana.Plans to launch a pilot project in the coming months will be unveiled soon.Sun-Ways has also received government approval to install another solar railway in South Korea, while discussions are underway with Dutch, Chinese, Indian and Singaporean companies.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/07\/05\/italy-could-be-the-next-country-to-build-a-solar-railway-after-switzerlands-successful-tri&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/37\/90\/1200x675_cmsv2_08ddd015-4096-5f19-be21-c19a1ae3fb19-9823790.jpg&#8221;] United Kingdom JD Vance says &#8216;beautiful&#8217; Britain has been &#8216;failed by its leadership&#8217; Climate Up to 44\u00b0C in Spain, red alerts expected in several regions Travel News Explore England\u2019s Lake District with this new unlimited travel pass Top News Stories Today Latest news bulletin | July 5th, 2026 \u2013 Midday United Kingdom [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2027858","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2027858","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2027858"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2027858\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2027858"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2027858"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2027858"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}