EDF Renewables and Network Rail have signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) covering output from the 50MW Bloy’s Grove solar farm in Norfolk, which received planning consent in June this year.
The contract will cover around 15% of Network Rail’s annual consumption of non-traction energy being used in offices, depots and railway stations across the country.
This builds on the existing traction supply partnership between Network Rail and the wider EDF Group in the UK.
The PPA is in line with Network Rail’s commitment to sourcing 100% of non-traction energy from renewable sources by 2030 as part of its environmental sustainability strategy.
Jo Lewington, Network Rail’s chief environment and sustainability officer, said: “Rail is already in a strong position in terms of its green credentials, but it’s crucial that we do everything we can as a business to improve air quality, minimise our use of fossil fuels, and transition to an industry powered by green, renewable, low-carbon energy.
“Our vision is to serve the nation with the cleanest, greenest form of public transport and this agreement marks another important step towards achieving our aims.”
Rail Minister Wendy Morton said: “Our railway has long been the backbone of travel across the UK and, as one of the greenest forms of transport, it is set to play a central role in slashing emissions and helping us achieve our world-leading decarbonisation goals.
“This first of its kind agreement is a huge moment not just for Network Rail but the rail industry as a whole, setting in motion a journey which will see Britain’s favourite transport become even greener, cleaner and more sustainable.”
Natural Power provided technical support to Network Rail throughout the supplier identification and negotiation process for the corporate power purchase agreement for 49.9MW of solar power from EDF Renewables UK.