To increase its green electricity, Transport for London has appointed EDF Renewables UK through its solar energy farm for a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement.

This means that a new solar facility will be built in Longfield, Essex, to allow for more renewable energy for the tube.

The solar farm will send out 20% of its output to Transport for London, which equates to around 80 Gigawatt hours of electricity per year.

They plan to begin the construction in 2026 and will contribute to the national grid.

During the contract, TfL expects to save at least 28,000 tonnes of carbon during its operations.

The tube is London’s biggest electricity consumer, and the contract ensures a fixed price for the renewable power.

EDF Renewables UK already have planning permission for the solar farm and plans to transform the disused low-quality farmland.

They will be surrounding the solar farm with trees and hedgerows to support local biodiversity and regeneration. They expect to see a major positive biodiversity net gain of 87.1%, only 10% is required under the Environment Act 2021.

This is part of TfL and the government’s aim to further decarbonise the central grid and will also boost green jobs within construction and operation.

The contract also coincides with the Mayor’s new Climate Finance Taskforce, which aims to invest in climate projects.

“As one of the largest electricity consumers in the UK, we are absolutely committed to doing what we can to decarbonise London through clean, renewable energy sources. This PPA is a landmark moment for us as this agreement enables EDF Renewables UK to invest in a brand new facility for clean electricity supply for our Tube network and GB’s grid – a significant step in our mission to make all our services powered this way by 2030 and a new green era for the Tube. 

“We are using our purchasing power to make public transport the most environmentally sustainable choice Londoners can make. By giving EDFR the security to invest in new renewable energy sources in the UK, we are also creating new green jobs, improving the local biodiversity and wildlife, and stimulating the national economy. This will open doors to more public-private approaches to further accelerate the decarbonisation of GB’s grid.”

Lilli Matson, TfL’s Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer