“Ride the Wind” CTrain
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on December 11th, 2008
An entire train system’s power-use is offset by the supplier’s payment to a wind-farm.
In 2001, Calgary Transit entered into a partnership with electricity companies to develop a program that supports wind-generated electricity. The light rail transit system “Ctrain” (similar to Melbourne’s trams) comprises of 223 vehicles operating on two routes using 45 kilometres of track. Although CTrain does not produce tailpipe CO2 emissions, the system originally used power from coal and natural gas (producing greenhouse gases). Under the new arrangements, 12 windmills located in Southern Alberta generate wind-power, and the equivalent amount used by the CTrain is contributed to the main power grid.
The transition to the use of wind-generated power reduced CO2 emissions by 26,000 tonnes annually. As the CTrain lines are extended, the savings in emissions will also increase.
Mass transit, especially under conditions of high occupancy, invariably produces lower emissions than motor vehicles, on a passenger:kilometre basis. This eco-advantage is further improved when traction electricity is generated using emission free sources.
Calgary Transit Ride the Wind
From “Innovation in mobility for sustainable outcomes†case studies by Geoff Browne.