Germany’s rail operator has introduced innovation at the ICE depot in Leipzig by installing solar panels and a battery storage system that covers a quarter of the facility’s energy needs and saves around $92,000 per year. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Germany’s rail operator has introduced innovation at the ICE depot in Leipzig by installing solar panels and a battery storage system that covers a quarter of the facility’s energy needs and saves around $92,000 per year.
Photo: DB

The new system is mounted on the rooftops of three buildings, with solar panels generating up to 250 kW and reaching peak outputs of approximately 290 kW. Energy is supplied directly to the depot or stored in the battery unit.

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The control system continuously monitors consumption and activates the battery when demand spikes. This is especially important when trains disconnect from the overhead line or during energy-intensive maintenance such as wheelset re-profiling.

The new system reduces the depot’s reliance on the public grid

If the battery is fully charged and solar generation exceeds the depot’s consumption, excess electricity is fed into the public grid. This further reduces costs and improves the facility’s energy independence.

The batteries are second-life units previously used in eight electric vehicles after 5–7 years of service. Though no longer suitable for transport, they remain efficient for stationary applications.

Deutsche Bahn to expand the project to other depots

The battery system was developed by a startup within Deutsche Bahn’s ecosystem and aligns with the company’s sustainability strategy. DB plans to install a similar solution at the Kassel depot and potentially at other facilities.

This project highlights Deutsche Bahn’s commitment to sustainability—implementing technologies that combine environmental responsibility with financial efficiency.

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