Transport for London has appointed SSE Energy Solutions to develop solar installations that will supply electricity directly to the London Underground network under what the transport authority describes as one of the first private-wire renewable energy schemes for an urban transport system.
The partnership will see purpose-built solar projects connected directly to TfL’s electricity network, allowing the organisation to receive zero-carbon power without routing it through the national grid.
Once operational, the installations could generate up to 65,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year, roughly equivalent to two-thirds of the annual electricity demand of the Victoria line, according to TfL.
The scheme forms part of TfL’s wider strategy to source 100% renewable electricity for its operations by 2030. As the largest single electricity consumer in London, the organisation uses around 1.6 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity annually, equivalent to the consumption of roughly 592,600 homes.
Under the agreement, SSE Energy Solutions will invest in, build, operate and maintain the solar projects, while TfL will purchase the electricity generated. The installations are expected to be located close to the transport network so they can be directly connected via dedicated infrastructure. Sites could include both ground-mounted solar arrays and rooftop installations.
TfL said the approach could reduce pressure on the electricity grid while providing long-term price stability for the transport network.
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.”
TfL estimates the solar scheme could cut more than 27,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over 25 years, equivalent to almost 32,900 flights between London and New York.
Nathan Sanders, Managing Director of Distributed Energy at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “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.”
The solar programme is also part of TfL’s broader energy purchasing strategy, which aims to procure up to 70% of its electricity through power purchase agreements (PPAs) alongside other renewable supply arrangements.
Deputy Mayor of Environment and Energy Mete Coban said the initiative would help accelerate London’s clean energy transition.
“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. 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.”
TfL said the private-wire approach could also reduce costs over time by avoiding some of the network charges associated with electricity delivered via the national grid.
