Transport for London has appointed SSE Energy Solutions as its delivery partner for a solar scheme that will feed renewable electricity directly into the Tube network.
Following a competitive procurement process, SSE Energy Solutions will now work with TfL to identify sites for new solar installations close enough to the network to allow direct connection through a private wire arrangement. The sites could include both ground-mounted solar and rooftop panels.
The solar installations could deliver up to 65,000 MWh of renewable electricity, equivalent to around two-thirds of the estimated annual electricity consumption of the Victoria line. That means that the scheme could save more than 27,000 tonnes of carbon over 25 years.
The deal forms part of TfL’s wider ambition to use 100% renewably sourced electricity across its operations by 2030. TfL said the arrangement would also help reduce pressure on the National Grid, while providing renewable power at a fixed price and offering some protection from market volatility.
TfL is the largest single electricity consumer in London, with annual demand of around 1.6 TWh, so even a partial shift to directly connected renewable generation is significant.
Deputy Mayor of Environment and Energy, Mete Coban, noted, “I am delighted that TfL is taking this major step towards powering London’s transport system with clean, green energy – bringing us closer to our goal of operating on 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030. As these new sites are selected, they will create green jobs, boost biodiversity, and supply clean power, relieving pressure on the National Grid as we continue to build a fairer, greener London for everyone.”
Lilli Matson, Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer at TfL, added, “We’re excited to be working together with SSE Energy Solutions to deliver renewable electricity directly to the Tube network. Once built, the new solar installations will provide locally generated renewable electricity, reducing the pressure on the National Grid, while also helping to protect us against market volatility with the added potential for cost savings too.
“We all need to play our part to support the successful transition to renewable energy, working together across the public and private sectors. As one of the largest electricity consumers in the UK, we’re committed to being the strong, green heartbeat for London. This collaboration is just one of the ways that we’re working towards our wider ambition to use 100 per cent renewable source electricity across our operations by 2030.”
Nathan Sanders, Managing Director of Distributed Energy, SSE Energy Solutions, concluded, “SSE Energy Solutions is proud to be appointed by TfL to deliver renewable energy directly to the Tube via private-wire – supporting London’s 2030 net zero ambition and TfL’s Corporate Environment Plan. We’ll invest in, build, operate and maintain the projects, helping to decarbonise and manage price volatility while enabling potential savings for TfL.”
