The California High-Speed Rail Authority has unveiled an exciting development: the plan to power the high-speed train network with solar energy.
The state aims to establish a dedicated solar power infrastructure to support this initiative. However, the project is still under construction and has sparked significant controversy due to escalating costs and persistent delays.
Initially approved in 2008, the California high-speed rail project had an estimated budget of $33 billion and a completion target date of 2020. As of 2023, however, the projected cost has increased to $128 billion, with construction still in progress.
By February 2025, only 191.5 kilometers (119 miles) of the planned 1,287.5 kilometers (800 miles) of track have been completed. The lack of progress and cost escalation have contributed to a range of political criticisms of the project.
The decision to construct a fully renewable-powered train network aligns with the project’s commitment to reducing the state’s carbon emissions while offering an eco-friendly alternative to highways and flights. To support the trains’ impressive speed of 354 km/h and the railway network, the system will require 44 megawatts of power sourced from 552 acres of solar panels.
The trains will also feature onboard batteries that store 62 megawatt-hours of energy, ensuring smooth operation even when solar generation is low or local power supplies fail.
While most solar energy will be used to propel the trains at high speeds, a significant portion will also be required to regulate the train’s internal temperatures and handle California’s intense climate.
The decision to power this ambitious project with renewable energy highlights the state’s dedication to sustainability.
California’s Sustainability Policy outlines its sustainability objectives and commitments as follows: “The California High-Speed Rail Authority will deliver a sustainable high-speed rail system for California that serves as a model for sustainable rail infrastructure. The California High-Speed Rail Authority has developed, and will continue to implement, sustainability practices that inform and affect the planning, siting, designing, construction, mitigation, operation, and maintenance of the high-speed rail system” (Sustainability Practices, 2025).
California high-speed rail seeks public feedback
Californians have been asked to give their input on the next stage of their state’s high-speed rail project. The California High-Speed Rail Authority is preparing an environmental impact report for an energy storage system in the Central Valley. It is seeking public input on environmental concerns to address residents’ concerns about the changes.
“As part of the environmental review, the Authority will collect public and agency input about whether there are areas of environmental concern with potential site-specific significant impacts associated with the construction, maintenance, and operation of the PV/BESS Project,” the statement read.
The public’s input, which can be submitted via mail or email, is due by 8 April. Residents’ responses will be integrated into the report to ensure their concerns are addressed.
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom says the project is “finally beginning to lay track,” after a lengthy development process that began in 2008. The high-speed rail system will connect key California cities, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Fresno, San Jose, and Sacramento.
The project’s first phase will focus on the 836.8 kilometers between Merced and Anaheim. The system is expected to be fully operational by 2030; however, funding challenges and construction delays may extend this date.
In addition to the rails’ high-speed and environmental benefits, the train network will also address California’s underdeveloped Central Valley region, connecting it to the state’s largest cities and sparking economic growth for its four million residents.
Despite facing significant challenges, including rising costs, delays, and public concerns, the project remains committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting economic growth. By incorporating solar power into its high-speed rail infrastructure and prioritizing long-term sustainability, the initiative will transform travel and establish an eco-friendly transportation system.
California is not only advancing its vision of a cleaner, faster, and more connected state, but by improving access to underserved areas, the project can unlock economic opportunities that could enhance the quality of life and well-being of residents.
Source:
May, T. (2025, February 24). California High-Speed Rail Seeks Public Input on Renewable Energy Infrastructure. Railway-News. Retrieved from https://railway-news.com/california-high-speed-rail-seeks-public-input-on-renewable-energy-infrastructure/
$100 billion and a speed no one understands: First solar train in history underway. (2025, February 2025). Eco News. Retrieved from https://www.ecoticias.com/en/a-speed-no-one-understands-solar-train/11058/#google_vignette
Sustainability Practices. (2025). California High-Speed Rail Authority. Retrieved from https://hsr.ca.gov/programs/green-practices-sustainability/
Burman, T. (2025, February 24). Newsweek. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/california-high-speed-rail-public-2035243
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