SSE Energy Solutions to deliver solar power to help run London Tube

“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,” said deputy mayor of environment and energy, Mete Coban. “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.”

This latest agreement forms a key part of TfL’s long-term Energy Purchasing Strategy, which will see it purchase up to 70 per cent of the total electricity it needs through power purchase agreements (PPAs). Last summer, following a competitive procurement process, TfL confirmed that it had appointed a delivery partner to generate and deliver green electricity via a PPA, TfL’s first such agreement.

The contract will see a new solar facility built in Longfield, Essex, and renewable energy generated for the Tube. This will support the decarbonisation of the national grid, while providing TfL with renewable energy at a fixed price. The remainder of TfL’s electricity will mainly be procured through a flexible green tariff, contributing to the wider ambition to use 100 per cent renewable source electricity across TfL’s operations by 2030, and support the mayor’s goal for London to be a net zero carbon city by 2030.

“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”

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.

“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, added: “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.”