TfL partners with SSE Energy Solutions to power Tube with solar energy

Transport for London (TfL) has appointed SSE Energy Solutions to deliver a major solar energy scheme that will supply significant parts of the London Underground network with renewable electricity.

Under the agreement, TfL will receive zero-carbon electricity directly from purpose-built solar installations, bypassing the National Grid through a private wire arrangement. As London’s largest single electricity consumer, TfL said the deal represents one of the first private wire renewable energy schemes for an urban transport network.

The initiative forms part of TfL’s wider ambition to power its entire operation using 100% renewable electricity by 2030.

Solar installations to power the network

SSE Energy Solutions will work with TfL to identify locations for the new solar installations, which are likely to be built close to the transport network to enable direct connections. The sites may include ground-mounted solar farms as well as rooftop solar panels.

Once operational, the installations could deliver up to 65,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually—roughly equivalent to two-thirds of the Victoria line’s yearly electricity consumption.

Over a 25-year period, the scheme has the potential to save more than 27,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The arrangement will also provide TfL with renewable electricity at a fixed price, helping to protect the organisation from energy market volatility.

Part of wider energy strategy

The project is a key component of TfL’s long-term Energy Purchasing Strategy, which aims to secure up to 70% of the organisation’s electricity through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

TfL is already implementing a range of measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including the expansion of zero-emission buses across the capital. More than 2,800 buses in London are now zero-emission vehicles.

Energy efficiency upgrades are also underway across the network. Lighting in stations, bus shelters and trains is being replaced with LED systems that use up to 60% less energy while providing around 10% more brightness. More than 40% of Tube stations have already been converted to LED lighting.

Low-carbon requirements are also being embedded into TfL’s construction projects, including schemes at Old Street, Neasden and Surrey Quays.

Supporting London’s net-zero ambitions

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said the initiative represents a major step forward in the capital’s transition to clean energy.

“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,” he said.

TfL’s Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer Lilli Matson added that generating renewable energy locally would reduce pressure on the National Grid while offering long-term cost stability.

Nathan Sanders, Managing Director of Distributed Energy at SSE Energy Solutions, said the company would invest in, build, operate and maintain the solar projects.

“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,” he said.