Transport for London (TfL) is seeking a company to build solar developments to make the London Underground more sustainable
Whichever private-sector company Transport for London chooses will be appointed to deliver on the Solar Private Wire Project, making up 64 megawatts of energy, roughly 5% of the Underground’s needs.
The company will also be considered to connect other solar developments near the network.
The project will reduce pressure on the national grid
Transport for London is the largest consumer of energy in London at 1.6 terawatt hours per year. The agreement will see the network receive sustainable energy from a nearby solar facility.
Frank Gordon, director of policy at the Association for Renewable & and Clean Technology, said: “As one of the largest procurers of electricity in the southeast, this is a considerable opportunity for the solar industry to partner with a leading public organisation and start to roll out innovative solutions for decarbonising our energy supplies.”
Sustainability will be key for London
Lilli Matson, TfL’s chief safety health and environment officer, said: “As London’s strong, green heartbeat, we’re unlocking new ways to make our network and the energy we consume greener. We’re inviting bidders to help us deliver purpose-built solar photovoltaic (PV) farms for the Tube network, in a move to make the energy we use and rely on cleaner, greener and potentially more cost-efficient.
“By opening up new opportunities in the energy market and creating green jobs along the way, this is a start of a long-term journey to decarbonise London’s iconic transport system. We want to stay ahead of the curve and make a significant contribution to the acceleration of Great Britain’s grid transition towards net zero.”
The selected contractor will need to design, build, operate and maintain the solar farms and all related assets. The contract will last for four years with possibility for a further four year extension, and be worth £175m.
