Network Rail today announced that empty containers on freight trains, which have been involved in several accidents involving crosswinds, will from today start to be fitted with experimental wind turbines to capture otherwise harmful gusts.
In partnership with Freightliner (the major sponsor), shipping company Maersk, and other major freight operations companies, Network Rail will be working to install, manage and ultimately generate profit from renewable energy generation in some of the busiest areas of the network.
Named the Freightliner Optimum Oxygen Load system, this revolutionary set of technologies will see wind turbines loaded into containers fitted with side-loading doors and a direct power supply to the National Grid. As many freight routes are either electrified with overhead line equipment (known as OHLE) or will shortly be provided with such systems, these containers will also feature pantographs additional to those on the locomotive of the train. For environmental reasons, the obvious risk to birds will be mitigated through programming of the train horn to warn wildlife to stay away.
The Environment Agency and Department for Transport jointly welcomed the move. Reid Aftermarch, joint working group chairman, said in a statement: "We know that there is a massive risk to bystanders, workers, lineside infrastructure and service reliability from containers simply falling off trains. By allowing wind energy to pass through, whilst at the same time generating power, we can reduce the impact on lineside hedgerows and limited diversionary capacity in one blow to the dangers currently faced."
Maersk Group have stated that they support the plans as cutting retractable flaps is no less harmful to a container than many of the other things they face, such as falling onto level crossings or ending up in Cumbrian farmers' fields. Information is not yet available on the hazards of pantographs being misused for intermodal lorry drivers to provide impromptu power whilst negotiating level crossings. Most lorries are not yet capable of receiving 25kV electrical power supplies safely, although early studies indicate that ready meals are heated over 190% faster in cabs.
