TfL appoints SSE Energy Solutions to deliver solar power directly to the Tube

Transport for London (TfL) has chosen SSE Energy Solutions as its delivery partner to build purpose-built solar installations to connect to the Tube network.

The move, which followed a competitive procurement process, means that TfL will receive zero-carbon electricity straight from the solar installations themselves, bypassing the National Grid. As London’s largest single electricity consumer, TfL is at the forefront of the green transition – with this one of the first private wire schemes for an urban transport network and part of TfL’s ambition to use 100 per cent renewably sourced electricity across TfL’s operations by 2030.

As delivery partner, SSE Energy Solutions will work with TfL to identify suitable locations to build the new solar installations. These will likely be required to be close to the TfL network to enable the direct connection and could incorporate a mixture of solar opportunities, including both ground mounted solar installations or rooftop panels. Once constructed, they could deliver up to 65,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable electricity to the network, which is the equivalent of around two-thirds of the estimated annual consumption of the Victoria line or the electricity consumed each year by around 25,000 homes. There is the potential to save more than 27,000 tonnes of carbon in total over 25 years – the equivalent of almost 32,900 flights between London and New York City – while also stimulating the market for green jobs.

This latest agreement forms a key part of TfL’s long-term Energy Purchasing Strategy, which will see it purchase up to 70 per cent of the total electricity it needs through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Last summer, following a competitive procurement process, TfL confirmed that it had appointed a delivery partner to generate and deliver green electricity via a PPA – TfL’s first such agreement. The contract will see a new solar facility built in Longfield, Essex, and renewable energy generated for the Tube. This will support the decarbonisation of the national grid, while providing TfL with renewable energy at a fixed price. The remainder of TfL’s electricity will mainly be procured through a flexible green tariff, contributing 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.

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.”

Lilli Matson, Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer at TfL, said: “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.”

Nathan Sanders, Managing Director of Distributed Energy, 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.”