Colorado Officials See Freight Trains as Key to Statewide Renewable Energy Transmission
In Eaton, an experimental train car is carrying materials for energy, but it’s not oil, natural gas, or coal. Instead, it’s a massive battery that could potentially help alleviate Colorado’s growing electricity needs. According to Christopher Smith, the Chief Technology Officer of SunTrain, this innovative solution could revolutionize the state’s energy future.
The main challenge facing Colorado is the lack of transmission lines, both within the state and nationwide. Building these lines is a costly and time-consuming process, and it’s not keeping up with the increasing demand for energy. Currently, most of the solar and wind energy produced in Colorado is concentrated in the southeast corner of the state, making it difficult to distribute it to other areas.
SunTrain’s solution is to transport energy by rail. This is not a new concept, as energy has been transported by rail since the early days of America’s industrial age. The company plans to use defunct energy plants, particularly coal plants, as makeshift power substations for the trains coming in from solar or wind farms. The trains would then travel to Pueblo to recharge before delivering the energy to the Denver metro area or other parts of the state.
According to Jeff Anderson, SunTrain’s CEO, this is the first time a solution has been proposed to the transmission problem that can adapt to changing congestion needs. Governor Jared Polis, who attended the event, is a strong supporter of the project and believes it has the potential to match Xcel Energy’s Power Pathway project in terms of its impact on the state.
In addition to the potential benefits for consumers, Polis also highlighted the importance of a low-cost and resilient renewable energy delivery system, especially as Colorado has surpassed California as the top state for electric vehicle ownership. However, SunTrain still needs to secure grant money and undergo safety testing before the project can move forward.
Overall, Colorado officials are optimistic about the potential of using freight trains to transport renewable energy. This innovative solution could not only help meet the state’s growing energy needs but also contribute to a more sustainable and reliable energy future.