Renewable energy company SunTrain focused attention on a new innovative strategy to reshape energy distribution and a sustainable future during a Jan. 16 visit to the Port of Long Beach.
SunTrain’s new approach, known as “Trainsmission,” is a strategy to use railcars carrying containerized batteries, which allows the company to transport and deliver more than a Gigawatt-hour of green energy per train trip. The approach provides a cost-effective and rapid solution to transmission bottlenecks, officials said, as well as resolves the lack of utility-scale energy storage.
“Standing at the intersection of innovation and sustainability, SunTrain’s demo at the Port of Long Beach signals a bold step toward a cleaner energy horizon,” SunTrain founder and CTO Christopher Smith said. “‘Trainsmission’ showcases our dedication to overcoming the obstacles hindering renewable energy distribution. Partnering with visionaries like the Port of Long Beach and IBEW Local 11, SunTrain is paving the way for a more efficient, cost-effective, and climate friendly future.”
At the Port of Long Beach, a Green Port, provides the ideal backdrop for the Trainsmission debut, officials said, because of its reputation as a trailblazer in goods movement, safety, environmental stewardship and sustainability. The port was voted the “Best West Coast Seaport,” and annually handles $200 billion in trade, supporting millions of jobs across the country. The Port’s commitment to sustainability and SunTrain’s sustainability mission align perfectly, officials said.
“As the Green Port, we are always searching for new technologies and systems to improve the environment,” Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said. “We are interested in learning more about the potential of the SunTrain project to expand the means of renewable energy distribution.”
SunTrain said the demonstration at the Port of Long Beach marks a significant step toward a greener, more sustainable future, and addresses the need for more energy storage systems and efficient renewable energy distribution.