Could your daily commute power your city?
February 7, 2025
The Metro Barcelona underground Provença transit station. Ecowatch.
Can urban transit systems double as green energy sources?
Barcelona is turning its subway system into a power source. Through a new initiative called MetroCharge, the city is capturing energy from braking subway trains and feeding it back into the grid. That reclaimed electricity is now being used to power stations, streetlights, and even EV charging points at 16 metro locations.
With help from EU funding, the system also integrates solar panels, and so far, it’s cutting total energy consumption by 6%. Right now, 28 of Barcelona’s 163 stations are benefiting from the program, with plans to scale.
As cities seek to become more sustainable, such innovative solutions demonstrate the potential to transform existing infrastructure into multifaceted assets, contributing to a greener urban future.
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