The Busselton Jetty's iconic red train, the Stocker Preston Express, will take its first solar powered trip on Friday May 3 at 2.30pm with 90 passengers on board enjoying coffee and cake to celebrate.
WA's Chief Scientist professor Peter Klinken will officially turn on the solar power and address invited guests as they make the maiden trip under energy created by the sun.
Afterwards the public are invited to a free community event from 4pm to 5.30pm in the Ballaarat Room, Railway House where Professor Klinken will speak about innovative science programs in WA leading the world.
Children will have the opportunity to meet a mermaid, Pete the Pirate and enjoy a free virtual reality experience along with interactive environmental and marine life exhibits and displays.
Busselton Jetty Inc chair Jenny Sheehan said this was a special moment in history to demonstrate the non-profit organisation's commitment to the environment through innovation.
"The jetty's old 50 seat petrol train purchased in 1994 was run by a 1978 1200cc Honda car motor and raised more than $7 million in ticket sales during 16 years of operation," she said.
"The sales have gone into jetty preservation and conservation.
"We know Byron Bay has a solar train, but we do not know of any other solar operated trains that travel over the ocean."
BJI run a number of environment programs and aim to be carbon neutral, however the new solar panels will supply enough power to be carbon positive.
Busselton Jetty chief executive officer Lisa Shreeve said the launch provided a great opportunity to showcase tourism, science and innovation coming together, which was why Professor Klinken was keen to help launch the world first.
A number of people were instrumental in the planning and design coming to fruition including Phil Moore from GT Brakes, Phil Ashton from South West Machining Centre, Ian Clarke, Neil Butler and Paul Davis.
They all had the vision for a solar powered train from the initial concept design seven years ago.
EV Works' owner Rob Mason provided 30 solar panels, the battery system and years of extensive testing to ensure longevity of the solar powered system against vibration of the tracks, salt and wind.
Mr Mason agreed this was a once in a lifetime project that they were proud to be involved in and see the delight on the faces of the nearly 100,000 people per year that take a train ride.
