EDF power solutions UK has been appointed by Transport for London (TfL) to generate and deliver electricity via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) over 15 years through its Longfield solar farm in Essex.
The contract supports the construction of the new solar farm, and once operational will see renewable energy generated used to power the Tube. The facility will also support the decarbonisation of the National Grid and increase its renewable energy capacity.
Longfield solar farm, which EDF power solutions UK secured the planning permission from the Department of State for Energy, Security and Net Zero for in June 2023, farm will provide approximately 20 per cent of its output to TfL.
Over the 15-year duration of supply under the contract, TfL expects to save over 28,000 tonnes of carbon, in its operations. As London’s largest single consumer of electricity, using around 1.6TWh per annum, the contract provides renewable power to TfL at a fixed price, protecting TfL against market volatility and potential disruptions.
Sadiq Khan, The 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.”
Matthieu Hue, CEO of EDF power solutions UK, said: “We are proud to partner with TfL on this PPA, which marks a significant step forward for the delivery of our Longfield solar farm. This agreement is built upon our shared commitment to sustainability and investing in clean energy, helping to power essential public services with low-carbon electricity and support the UK’s journey to net zero.”
The PPA will contribute to the wider ambition to use 100 per cent renewable source electricity across TfL’s operations by 2030, and support the Mayor’s goal for London to be a net zero carbon city by 2030.
Lilli Matson, TfL’s Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, said: “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 power solutions 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 EDF power solutions UK 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.”
Michael Shanks MP, Energy Minister, said: “Very welcome news to see TfL making huge strides to power its network with clean, homegrown energy – supporting local jobs whilst reducing their emissions.
“Getting more solar on the grid supports our clean energy mission and Plan for Change – ending our reliance on unstable fossil fuel markets, boosting our energy security, and bringing down bills for good.”
