Banana Express across Eurasia, Solar on the Rails in Switzerland

China-Europe Rail Freight Jumps 13% as Trade Routes Expand

The China Railway Express (CR Express) has become a significant freight link between China, Europe, and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries, reshaping trade routes across Eurasia. According to China State Railway Group Co, from January to September this year, 14,689 China-Europe freight trains were operated, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year and transporting 1.57 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods, up by 11%.

September alone saw 1,633 train trips carrying 171,000 TEUs, marking the seventh straight month with over 1,600 monthly trips. Efforts to increase throughput at ports, enhance customs clearance, and support the construction of the cross-Caspian Sea international transport corridor have also helped make the network more robust. Currently, CR Express serves 226 cities across 25 European countries.

After a decade of consistent development, CR Express has expanded its reach to 223 cities in 25 European countries, completing over 89,000 trips. Recently, weekly services between Xi’an and Duisburg, Germany, and Chengdu and Lodz, Poland, were launched, providing more flexible options for businesses with 16 additional return points.

Viewed by many as a modern revival of the Silk Road, CR Express has improved economic connectivity along its routes, contributing to more efficient trade and stronger regional economies. Foreign Policy magazine recently described the BRI as a "blueprint for every nation in an age of uncertainty," emphasizing the role of robust supply networks.

Beyond the China-Europe routes, the China-Laos railway, which started in December 2021, has handled 10 million tonnes of cross-border freight. Fresh produce, such as bananas from Laos, is now reaching Beijing via cold-chain logistics, showcasing new possibilities for regional trade. Additionally, the first “Jinbo” China-Europe freight train of 2024 recently arrived in Shanghai with exhibits for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), continuing a four-year tradition of transporting goods for the trade fair.

As CR Express explores integrating AI into its operations, the service could benefit from optimized logistics, better route planning, and predictive maintenance, potentially increasing efficiency and reliability. Positioned as an essential link in global trade, CR Express’s growth reflects an evolving infrastructure aiming to make cross-border freight more sustainable and accessible across Eurasia.

France Targets 2032 for Rail and Road Freight Integration

The French government has announced a 2032 goal to boost combined transport as part of its National Strategy for Rail Freight Development, supporting ecological and energy transition targets. The National Master Plan for Combined Transport outlines key infrastructure upgrades to increase the efficiency and capacity of France’s logistics network, especially by integrating rail and road freight.

Key Initiatives:

• Expanding Multimodal Terminals: Upgrades to aging terminals and new facility construction will support rising demand, enhancing the ability to handle larger volumes.

• New Terminal Sites: Strategic locations identified in studies like those in Île-de-France will extend the network to meet regional needs.

• Rail Infrastructure Upgrades: Improvements on major corridors will allow for more freight traffic and larger loads, reducing road congestion and emissions.

• Environmental Focus
  The 2032 target builds on France’s National Rail Freight Development Strategy, with an aim to double the share of combined transport and encourage a shift from road to rail for long-haul freight, reducing fuel use and emissions. The plan prioritizes integrating road and rail networks to create cost-effective, sustainable logistics options aligned with France’s climate goals.

Swiss Start-Up Aims to Put Solar Panels on the Rails

Forget rooftops; Swiss start-up Sun-Ways is exploring a novel approach to renewable energy by installing removable solar panels between railway tracks. The company suggests that this innovation could be implemented on approximately half of the world's railway lines.

Solar Panels on the Move

Sun-Ways aims to utilize the space between rails to deploy standard solar panels without disrupting train operations. Co-founder Baptiste Danichert believes this could help Switzerland and other countries increase their reliance on renewable energy. Given the challenges of limited land and strict environmental regulations, the areas between tracks present a unique opportunity for solar energy generation.

The panels are made in Switzerland and come pre-assembled, ready to be laid down by a specially designed train that installs them along the tracks. While other companies are also experimenting with similar ideas, Sun-Ways is the first to focus on a removable system, which is crucial for maintenance tasks like rail grinding.

A Solar Potential

If fully implemented, the solar panels could cover Switzerland’s 5,317 kilometers of railway and potentially generate around 1 Terawatt-hour (TWh) of energy annually—about 2% of the country's electricity needs. Sun-Ways plans to expand beyond Switzerland, targeting markets in Germany, Austria, Italy, the US, and Asia, where over a million kilometers of railway exist.

Challenges Ahead

However, the project faces scrutiny. The International Union of Railways has expressed concerns about potential micro-cracks in the panels, fire risks from vegetation near the tracks, and glare that could distract train drivers. Sun-Ways counters that their panels are designed for durability, using anti-reflective technology and sensors to monitor their condition. They also plan to implement brushes to keep the panels clean.

Looking Forward

Experts, including Evelina Trutnevyte from the University of Geneva, see merit in this approach. They suggest that integrating solar panels with existing infrastructure could significantly contribute to Switzerland’s renewable energy goals. As the energy crisis pushes for faster solutions, innovations like this could help reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.

Next Steps

If everything proceeds smoothly, Sun-Ways plans to launch a pilot project in May, pending approval from the Swiss Federal Office of Transport. This test will occur near Buttes, with an investment of about CHF 400,000. Danichert acknowledges that the main challenge is not the technology itself but rather persuading the railway sector to adopt this innovative approach. If successful, it could represent a significant step forward in sustainable energy efforts.