TfL invites bidders for Tube Network solar farms
Transport for London (TfL) is seeking a delivery partner to develop purpose-built solar farms to connect to the London Underground network, with opportunities for a broader connection to TfL's estate.
The appointed delivery partner will design and deliver proposals for solar developments that could bring up to 64 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the network, which is approximately five per cent of the electricity needed to run the Tube network. The project will explore developing and connecting solar infrastructure near the TfL network, facilitating development of assets at scale, contributing to the wider ambition to use 100% renewable source electricity across TfL's operations by 2030.
Projects will be predicated on the basis of private wire agreements, which allow a direct supply of electricity from a generator to a consumer. This means TfL will directly receive the solar generated electricity, bypassing the National Grid and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), reducing pressure on the grid and potentially lowering TfL’s energy costs.
TfL is the largest single electricity consumer in London with a demand of approximately 1.6 Terawatt hours (TWh) per year, which is equivalent to the electricity consumed by around 420,000 homes or 12% of homes across London. Harvesting renewable energy opportunities and working towards 100% renewable-sourced electricity, TfL says, will help to deliver the Mayor's target of a net zero carbon London by 2030.
Lilli Matson, TfL's Chief Safety Health Environment Officer, said, "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 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."
Mete Coban, London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, said, "The Mayor has ambitious goals to cut London's carbon footprint, so powering London's world-leading transport system with green energy is a clear win-win. Installing solar panels as a source of renewable energy is one of many ways organisations in London can lower their carbon footprint.
"Not only will the solar panels help TfL to cut running costs and save passengers money, they will also create green jobs while helping TfL to reduce its carbon emissions. This is a great opportunity for organisations to work with us as we build a greener, fairer London for everyone."
Frank Gordon, Director of Policy at The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology, said, "We welcome this innovative approach from TfL to procuring renewable power for their network, as well as the wider ambition to use 100 per cent renewable source electricity across TfL's operations by 2030.
"As one of the largest procurers of electricity in the South East 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."