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Argentina launches first solar-powered railway in the Andes
The Tren Solar de la Quebrada, Latin America’s first solar-powered railway, is operating in the Jujuy province of northern Argentina. The service runs a 42-kilometre route through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca valley in the Andes.
While the name suggests solar panels on the train itself, the two-carriage service is actually powered by six lithium batteries. These batteries are charged using solar energy generated locally in Jujuy. The system also utilizes regenerative braking, converting kinetic energy back into electricity during deceleration to extend battery life. The batteries provide a range of 100 to 120 kilometres, which is more than double the current route length.
This battery-based technology allows the train to operate without diesel fuel or the overhead electrical lines typically required for electric railways. Since its launch in June 2024, the service has restored passenger rail to the region for the first time in 30 years. According to the Jujuy government, more than 90,000 people have used the train since its inception. Fast-charging facilities are currently located at Volcán and Purmamarca, with a third station planned for Tilcara.
Entities
Andes · Jujuy · Quebrada de Humahuaca · Tren Solar de la Quebrada · UNESCO
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The railway was designed to transport tourists without the emissions of diesel trains. www.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Tren Solar de la Quebrada is the first solar-powered railway in Latin America. www.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] More than 90,000 people have used the Tren Solar since its launch. www.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The train uses regenerative braking to convert motion back into electricity for the batteries. www.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The two-car train is powered by six lithium batteries charged by solar energy from Jujuy. www.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The train's batteries provide a range of 100 to 120 kilometres. www.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The railway connects six towns within the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley. www.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Fast-charging points are located at Volcán and Purmamarca, with a third planned for Tilcara. www.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com