Modern tramway system with integrated solar panels and energy flow visualization.

Powering the Future: How Smart Tram Systems Are Revolutionizing City Transportation

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Soraya Malik in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how integrating energy storage, solar power, and bidirectional converters is transforming tramways into sustainable and efficient urban transit solutions, reducing pollution and enhancing grid stability."


Across the globe, cities are increasingly turning to tramways as a key component of their sustainable transportation strategies. Trams are no longer just a charming relic of the past; they are being reimagined as a cutting-edge solution to reduce pollution, alleviate traffic congestion, and create more livable urban environments. The latest advancements in tram technology are pushing these systems far beyond their traditional capabilities, transforming them into models of efficiency and sustainability.

Modern tram systems are embracing a range of innovative technologies that promise to revolutionize urban transit. These advancements include integrating energy storage to capture and reuse braking energy, incorporating photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to generate clean electricity, and utilizing bidirectional converters to enable trams to contribute to grid stabilization. These improvements not only make tram systems more environmentally friendly but also enhance their operational efficiency and resilience.

This article explores how these advancements are reshaping urban transportation. By examining the technical and economic benefits of these upgrades, we'll uncover how tramways are evolving into smart, sustainable solutions for the cities of tomorrow. Whether you're an urban planner, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about the future of our planet, this deep dive into the world of modern tram systems will offer valuable insights into the possibilities of sustainable urban mobility.

Smart Upgrades: Storage, Solar, and Bidirectional Power

Modern tramway system with integrated solar panels and energy flow visualization.

Traditional tram systems have limitations in how they manage energy. When a tram brakes, the kinetic energy is often lost unless other trams are ready to immediately use it. Upgrading tram systems with energy storage allows for the capture and reuse of this braking energy, significantly increasing efficiency. Similarly, older tram systems typically only draw power from the grid, unable to send energy back. By integrating photovoltaic (PV) generation and bidirectional converters, trams can generate their own power and even supply excess energy back to the grid.

These upgrades work synergistically to improve tram performance:

  • Energy Storage: Captures braking energy for later use, reducing the need to draw power from the grid.
  • Photovoltaic Generation: Generates clean energy from solar panels, further decreasing reliance on external power sources.
  • Bidirectional Converters: Enable trams to send excess energy back to the grid, providing additional revenue and support.
Researchers at the University of Pisa have developed a detailed simulation tool to assess the impact of these upgrades. Validated using real-world data from a tram system in Bergamo, Italy, the tool accurately models energy flows and cost-effectiveness. The results demonstrate that integrating storage systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs, with payback times shorter than the lifespan of the equipment. Combining storage with solar power further enhances these benefits, creating a truly sustainable transportation solution.

The Future is Electric and Efficient

The integration of storage, solar power, and bidirectional converters represents a significant step forward in making tram systems a cornerstone of sustainable urban transportation. By reducing reliance on the grid, lowering emissions, and enhancing operational efficiency, these smart upgrades pave the way for cleaner, more livable cities. As more cities embrace these innovative technologies, we can look forward to a future where public transit not only gets us where we need to go but also contributes to a healthier planet.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1109/eeeic.2018.8493829, Alternate LINK

Title: Storage Operation In Tramway Systems Delivering Grid Services

Journal: 2018 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2018 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe)

Publisher: IEEE

Authors: D. Fioriti, R. Giglioli, G. Lutzemberger, D. Poli

Published: 2018-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

How are modern tram systems being upgraded to be more sustainable and efficient?

Modern tram systems integrate energy storage to capture and reuse braking energy, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to generate clean electricity, and bidirectional converters to enable trams to contribute to grid stabilization. These technologies work together to reduce reliance on the grid, lower emissions, and improve operational efficiency.

2

What specific roles do energy storage, photovoltaic generation, and bidirectional converters play in enhancing tram performance?

Energy storage captures braking energy, which is typically lost in traditional systems, and stores it for later use, thus reducing the demand for external power. Photovoltaic generation uses solar panels to produce clean electricity, further diminishing the tram's dependence on the grid. Bidirectional converters allow trams to send excess generated energy back to the grid, providing additional support and potential revenue.

3

How is the impact of these tram upgrades being assessed, and what do the results indicate?

The University of Pisa has developed a simulation tool to evaluate the impact of integrating energy storage, photovoltaic generation, and bidirectional converters in tram systems. The tool models energy flows and assesses cost-effectiveness, validated with data from Bergamo, Italy. It has shown that integrating storage systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs, demonstrating payback times shorter than the equipment's lifespan.

4

In what specific ways does integrating energy storage contribute to the sustainability of tram systems?

By integrating energy storage, tram systems capture and reuse braking energy, reducing the need to draw power from the grid. This process lowers energy consumption and operational costs, leading to a more sustainable and cost-effective public transportation system. The system also facilitates efficient energy use and contributes to a lower carbon footprint.

5

How do bidirectional converters allow trams to contribute to grid stabilization and potentially generate revenue?

Bidirectional converters enable trams to send excess energy generated from photovoltaic (PV) solar panels back to the grid. This capability allows tram systems to support grid stability, providing additional revenue by supplying clean energy. It transforms trams from mere consumers of electricity into active contributors to the energy grid, promoting a more sustainable and resilient urban energy infrastructure.

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