Transport for London (TfL) is seeking a delivery partner to work collaboratively to develop purpose-built solar farms to connect to the London Underground network.
TfL is the largest single electricity consumer in London with a demand of approximately 1.6 Terawatt hours per year, which is equivalent to the electricity consumed by around 420,000 homes or 12% of homes across London.
By harvesting renewable energy opportunities and working towards 100% renewable-sourced electricity, the London mayor hopes that this initiative will help to deliver London’s net zero carbon 2030 target.
Bidders are invited to participate in a competitive tender, which opens from 31 October.
Following the conclusion of this tender, the appointed delivery partner will design and deliver proposals for solar developments that could bring up to 64 MW of electricity to the network, which is approximately 5% of the electricity needed to run the Tube network.
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The project will explore developing and connecting solar infrastructure near the TfL network contributing to TfL’s wider ambition to use 100% renewable source electricity across operations by 2030.
By entering into private wire agreements with a dedicated delivery partner, TfL will also directly receive zero-carbon electricity from a local facilities which should reduce pressure on the national grid.
In the longer term, private wire schemes could generate financial savings, bypassing some of the costs associated with delivery of power through the National Grid, TfL reports.
Deputy mayor for environment and energy Mete Coban, 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.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable transport planning will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
