Mariazellerbahn runs partly with PV power

Environment & Climate

The Lower Austria Railways have put their first photovoltaic system into operation. The railways in Weinburg (district of St. Pölten) produce solar power on open and roof surfaces, which is intended to cover part of the energy requirements of the Mariazell Railway.

13.08.2022 18.50

Online since today, 6.50 p.m

The first photovoltaic system of the Niederösterreichische Bahnen has gone into trial operation at the Klangen converter plant in the municipality of Weinburg. According to a broadcast, part of the energy requirements of the Mariazell Railway are now to be covered on a total of 470 square meters. A spokeswoman for the Lower Austrian Railways told noe.ORF.at how high this proportion actually is. The plant is only in trial operation.

The narrow-gauge railway has been in electric operation since 1911. The Klangen converter plant plays a central role in the energy supply. While the frequency from the socket is 50Hz, the Mariazell Railway runs at a frequency of 25Hz. The corresponding conversion takes place in sounds. The new photovoltaic system feeds directly into the converter station and thus also into the traction current.

The aim is to be as energy self-sufficient as possible

“Public transport is our key to a sustainable and climate-friendly mobility future,” emphasized Transport Provincial Councilor Ludwig Schleritzko (ÖVP), who is responsible for the Lower Austrian railways. “The developments in recent weeks and months have shown us how important it is to be as energy self-sufficient as possible,” said Barbara Komarek, Managing Director of Niederösterreich Bahnen.