Transport for London (TfL) has officially appointed SSE Energy Solutions as its delivery partner for the construction of purpose-built solar installations that will connect to London Underground Tube network.

The move will allow TfL to utilise zero-carbon electricity straight from the solar installations themselves, bypassing the National Grid and marking one of the first uses of a private wire scheme for an urban transport network.

SSE Energy has been selected as TfL’s delivery partner for a series of solar installations

© Transport for London

SSE Energy Solutions will now work as TfL’s delivery partner, and will be responsible for identifying suitable locations to build the new solar installations. Locations considered are likely to be required to be situated close to the TfL network in order to facilitate the direct connection, and could incorporate a mixture of solar opportunities, including both ground mounted solar installations or rooftop panels.

Once constructed, the panels may be capable of delivering up to 65,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable electricity to the network – the equivalent of roughly two-thirds of the estimated annual consumption of the Victoria line, or the electricity consumed each year by around 25,000 homes. Installation of the panels has the potential to save over 27,000 tonnes of carbon over 25 years.

The agreement between the two companies forms a key part of TfL’s long-term Energy Purchasing Strategy, which will see the operator purchase up to 70% of the total electricity it needs via Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Last summer, TfL confirmed that, following a competitive procurement process, it had appointed a new delivery partner to generate and deliver green electricity via a PPA – its first such agreement. As such, a new solar facility will be built in Longfield, Essex, and renewable energy will be generated for the Tube, supporting the decarbonisation of the national grid whilst providing TfL with renewable energy at a fixed price.

Remaining energy for TfL will mainly be procured through a flexible green tariff, which will also contribute to the wider ambition of reaching 100% renewable source electricity across its operations by 2030, as well as supporting the Mayor’s goal of a net zero carbon London by 2030.

Deputy Mayor of Environment and Energy, Mete Coban, said:

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.

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