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NEW ZEALAND: KiwiRail has installed a small hydroelectric plant and solar panels to power signals and lighting at the Tiroroa passing loop.

The equipment replaces two diesel generators. These started automatically as a train approached, but the isolated site is only accessible by rail and KiwiRail wanted an alternative to sending staff on time-consuming trips to replenish the fuel every two weeks.

Two sources of power are combined, as there is not a sufficiently constant flow of water or stream of sunlight to rely on one.

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