Network Rail has announced a pioneering agreement with EDF Renewables that will see a new solar farm in Norfolk help power its stations and offices. This groundbreaking Corporate Purchase Power Agreement (CoPPA) marks a significant step towards a more sustainable railway in Britain.
Under this revolutionary deal, the first of its kind for the UK’s railway network, Network Rail will secure 64 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually at a fixed cost for the next 14 years. This clean energy supply will provide approximately 15 per cent of the electricity required for Network Rail’s offices, depots, and managed stations – categorised as ‘non-traction’ energy.
As a direct result of this agreement, EDF Renewables will commence construction of a new solar facility at Bloy’s Grove, near Swainsthorpe in Norfolk, strategically located within sight of the Great Eastern Main Line.
The environmental impact of this initiative is substantial. Just one year of clean energy purchased by Network Rail through this deal is equivalent to powering London Liverpool Street station for nine years. Over the entire 14-year contract, enough energy will be provided to power all 20 of Network Rail’s managed stations for eight years.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy commented: “We are working with partners across the rail industry to build a modern transport network with our environmental commitments at the heart. The Government’s Plan for Change is driving economic growth, transitioning the country to sustainable energy, and securing jobs. Under our new integrated approach, we are ensuring the British rail industry remains at the forefront of innovation and improvement.”
This agreement is a cornerstone of Network Rail’s ambitious Green Strategy, which outlines the railway’s roadmap to a sustainable future. Furthermore, the company hopes to secure an additional CoPPA in the coming years to transition all of Network Rail’s non-traction electrical requirements to solar power.
Jeremy Westlake, Network Rail’s chief financial officer, stated: “This contract, the first of its kind for the railway, shows how organisations like Network Rail can use their buying power to drive investment in clean power generation for the country. With the railway industry set to unite under Great British Railways, this contract, our Green Strategy, and a cohesive railway system provide us with even more opportunities to reduce emissions and make our railway even greener.”
Jo Lewington, chief environment and sustainability officer at Network Rail, added: “Travelling by train is already one of the most sustainable ways of getting around and we know we can do more as a business. In future we would like all of our office and station power to come from sustainable sources and this contract is a huge step forward towards that.”
The new solar facility, which will be built, owned, and managed by EDF Renewables UK, is projected to contribute to saving approximately 60,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime, an environmental benefit equivalent to planting around 2.2 million trees.
In a further commitment to local communities, EDF Renewables UK is offering a community fund of £20,000, to be paid annually for the entire 35-year lifetime of the project.
James Schwerdt, Head of Solar at EDF Renewables UK, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Network Rail to help them transition to green, renewable, low-carbon energy. This project shows the importance of technologies such as solar in reducing costs and de-carbonising the UK electricity system to reach the country’s target of net zero by 2050.”
