Transport for London (TfL) has appointed SSE Energy Solutions as its delivery partner to develop solar installations that will supply renewable electricity directly to the London Underground network.
The scheme will see purpose-built solar sites connected to TfL’s private electricity supply, allowing power to be delivered straight to the transport network without passing through the National Grid. The initiative forms part of TfL’s ambition to use 100 per cent renewable electricity across its operations by 2030.
Once operational, the installations could generate up to 65,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable electricity each year. This is equivalent to around two-thirds of the estimated annual electricity consumption of the Victoria line, or the yearly electricity usage of roughly 25,000 homes.
By sourcing power locally, the scheme will help reduce pressure on the national electricity grid while providing greater price certainty through fixed-price renewable supply agreements.
Lilli Matson, Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer at TfL, said:
“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.”
The installations could also cut more than 27,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over 25 years, equivalent to almost 32,900 flights between London and New York, while supporting the creation of green jobs.
TfL is the largest single electricity consumer in London, using approximately 1.6 terawatt hours (TWh) per year, comparable to the electricity demand of around 592,600 homes. Direct renewable supply schemes like this private wire arrangement form a key element of TfL’s strategy to decarbonise its operations.
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said:
“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.”
The project will involve identifying suitable locations for solar installations close to the Tube network. These may include both ground-mounted arrays and rooftop solar panels to allow direct connection.
Nathan Sanders, Managing Director of Distributed Energy at SSE Energy Solutions, said:
“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.”
The solar programme sits within TfL’s broader energy purchasing strategy, which aims to secure up to 70 per cent of its electricity through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). A previous agreement will see renewable energy supplied from a new solar facility in Longfield, Essex.
Alongside renewable energy procurement, TfL is also pursuing a wide range of measures to cut emissions, including expanding its zero-emission bus fleet, electrifying operational vehicles, converting stations and infrastructure to energy-efficient LED lighting, and reducing carbon across major construction projects.
Together, these measures support the Mayor of London’s ambition to make the capital a net zero carbon city by 2030, with the transport network playing a central role in the transition.
