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In a major step toward’s TfL’s target of a 100% renewable electricity supply by 2030, the operator will receive a fifth of the output from a new solar farm in Longfield, Essex.
The facility, which EDF is due to start building next year, will provide 1,200 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity over 15 years. That amount could run the entire Tube network for a year, TfL said, or power both the Docklands Light Railway and tram network for 15 years.
Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said: “London is already a world leader when it comes to addressing the climate crisis, so it's only right that we continue blazing this trail when it comes to our transport system. This new agreement will enable us to power our transport network with clean, green, renewable energy and reduce TfL's carbon emissions as we continue building a greener and better London for everyone.”
The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) contract guarantees renewable power to TfL, London’s largest single consumer of electricity, at a fixed price. The operator expects to save over 28,000 tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to 33,300 one-way trips between London and NYC – from its operations.
“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,” said Lilli Matson, TfL's chief safety, health and environment officer.
“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 Great Britain’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.”
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