SWOT analysis for orchestrated development of a solar railway system in China

China has been the main source of global energy consumption growth for 18 years in a row. Railways account for a large proportion of China's energy consumption, and the greening of railway energy supply systems will be an irreversible trend over time. Using a SWOT analysis approach, the authors investigate the internal strengths and weaknesses and the external opportunities and threats for orchestrated development of a solar railway system in China. After discussing countermeasures and suggestions for integrated development of a solar railway system in China, the conclusion is drawn that the railway power system will be green, resilient, self-contained and sustainable by utilising the existing space in the railway system for photovoltaic power generation, using hybrid energy storage facilities and energy internet technologies to balance power supply and railway energy demands, and grasping the strategic opportunity for domestic and foreign construction projects.