In a further move towards a ‘greener and more sustainable railway for Britain’,
Network Rail has signed an agreement with
EDF Renewables UK that will see solar energy — enough to power 20,000 homes — used in offices, depots and railway stations throughout the country. The contract means 49.9MW of renewable energy capacity will be available, enough to cover around 15% of Network Rail’s annual consumption of non-traction energy; this will come from EDF Renewables UK’s Bloy’s Grove solar farm between Swainsthorpe and Mulbarton in Norfolk, which received planning consent in June this year.
This agreement builds upon the existing ‘traction supply partnership’ between Network Rail and the wider EDF Group in the UK and is in line with Network Rail’s commitment to sourcing 100% of non-traction energy from renewable sources by 2030 as part of its ‘Environmental Sustainability Strategy’.
Jo Lewington, Network Rail’s chief environment and sustainability officer, said: “Rail is already in a strong position in terms of its green credentials, but it is crucial that we do everything we can as a business to improve air quality, minimise our use of fossil fuels, and transition to an industry powered by green, renewable, low-carbon energy. Our vision is to serve the nation with the cleanest, greenest form of public transport and this agreement marks another important step towards achieving our aims.”
Matthieu Hue, EDF Renewables UK’s CEO, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Network Rail to help them on their journey to decarbonisation. This project shows the ability of EDF Renewables UK to provide diverse solutions for customers in terms of low-cost renewable electricity. It also demonstrates our ability to develop competitive and affordable renewable power projects in the UK, as well as underpinning the importance of all renewable technologies in de-carbonising the UK electricity system.”
Wendy Morton, the former Rail Minister (until 6 September), said: “Our railway has long been the backbone of travel across the UK; and as one of the greenest forms of transport it is set to play a central role in slashing emissions and helping us achieve our world-leading decarbonisation goals. This first-of-its-kind agreement is a huge moment not just for Network Rail but the rail industry as a whole.”