By Tracey Graves
In a move that could put Lithgow on the global map for rail innovation, a high-profile Japanese railway delegation has visited the town to explore cutting-edge solar and battery-powered train technology. The visit, led by Eiki Shigeta, CEO of JETconnect, a Japanese railway consulting firm, highlights Lithgow’s potential to become a hub for sustainable transport solutions.
The delegation’s focus is on retrofitting diesel-powered passenger trains with solar and battery technology, a project that could revolutionise rural rail networks worldwide. The Yamagata Railway in Japan, known locally as the Flower Line, has been identified as the testing ground for this initiative. If successful, the project could see Lithgow’s Elderton Engineering play a pivotal role in transforming regional passenger rail transport in Japan and beyond.
Tim Elderton, founder of Elderton Engineering, has been a pioneer in renewable energy for rail since 2017, when his company built the world’s first fully solar-powered passenger train in Lithgow. The train, now operating in Byron Bay, has become a global benchmark for sustainable transport.
“The Byron Bay Railroad uses only 23% of the solar power it generates to run the train, with the remaining 77% exported to the local grid.,” said Elderton.
The collaboration between Elderton Engineering and JETconnect began when Mr. Shigeta discovered the Byron Bay solar train online. Intrigued by its potential, he reached out to Elderton, leading to preliminary design work on converting Yamagata Railway’s diesel fleet to battery-electric power.
Local advocate Tracey Graves sees this as an opportunity to boost Lithgow’s economy and tourism.
“Imagine solar-powered trains taking tourists to the Garden of Stone and Mountain Bike Tracks. This isn’t just about rail; it’s about creating jobs, breathing life back into the loco workshop, injecting the local economy, and putting Lithgow on the map as a leader of innovative sustainable rail technology,” she said.
Pictured: Tim Elderton and Eiki Shigeta. Supplied
Main image: Wikipedia
A Call to Action
To truly unlock Lithgow’s potential as a hub for rail electrification and manufacturing, the federal government must step up. A grant to Lithgow City Council to buy back the long-vacant Lithgow Locomotive Workshop from Pacific National would be a game-changing investment. This historic site, occupying one-third of Lithgow’s industrial land, has sat idle for 20 years—a wasted opportunity in a region primed for growth.
If Lithgow City Council owns the property, it would protect it from being sold off to private interests again, ensuring it remains a public asset that drives economic growth. By leasing the site to manufacturing companies, the council could generate a steady income stream while securing high-skilled, long-term jobs for the community.
With rail electrification set to boom, this facility could become a national centre for train conversions, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy innovation—cementing Lithgow’s role as a leader in Australia’s transport future.
The time to act is now. The technology is ready, the international interest is growing, and Lithgow has the expertise to lead the charge. Now it’s time for the federal government to invest in the future—starting with Lithgow
