Transport for London (TfL) has taken a significant step in its longstanding commitment to decarbonise the capital’s public transport system by signing a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EDF Renewables UK. This agreement will secure up to 80 GWh annually from a new solar farm to be built in Longfield, Essex, starting construction in 2026. The volume of electricity generated will be sufficient to power the entire London Underground network for a year, marking a milestone towards TfL's target of sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2030.

As the largest single electricity consumer in London, using around 1.6 terawatt hours annually, TfL aims to obtain up to 70% of its electricity through PPAs. This approach not only provides price stability by fixing costs over the contract duration, protecting TfL from fluctuating energy markets, but also accelerates the development of renewable energy infrastructure in the UK. Rachel Cary, Head of Industrial Strategy at Energy UK, highlighted how PPAs serve as critical tools in stimulating investment in renewables while supporting cleaner air and a more secure energy system.

The Longfield solar farm, sprawling over approximately 400 hectares of former farmland, promises to generate around 400 GWh of electricity annually by the end of the decade. Beyond energy generation, the project is incorporating substantial environmental measures, including substantial tree and hedgerow planting and habitat regeneration aimed at delivering a biodiversity net gain of 87.1%—far exceeding the 10% legal requirement. This element aligns with the Environment Act 2021, reinforcing commitments to safeguard local ecosystems alongside renewable energy expansion.

TfL estimates that this partnership with EDF Renewables will cut carbon emissions by over 28,000 tonnes during the contract period, the equivalent of removing roughly 33,300 flights between London and New York. This initiative fits within TfL's broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and support the Mayor's ambition for London to be net zero carbon by 2030. The organisation's science-based targets, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, include a 90% reduction in direct and indirect emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2040.

The solar farm deal is part of a wider drive to transform TfL’s energy supply and infrastructure. In parallel, TfL has launched a climate finance taskforce aimed at mobilising an estimated £75 billion towards climate-related infrastructure investments in London. Additionally, TfL is seeking delivery partners for future private wire solar projects that could directly power the Tube, potentially providing up to 64 MW, or 5% of its electricity demand.

Alongside renewable electricity procurement, TfL has secured over £16 million in government grants to reduce carbon emissions at its sites through energy-efficient upgrades such as heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting, and building insulation. These combined efforts underscore TfL’s comprehensive approach to cutting emissions across operations and supply chains.

While this ambitious renewable energy strategy makes considerable progress, broader UK challenges remain. A recent report by DNV forecasts that the UK is unlikely to meet its 2030 carbon reduction target of a 68% cut from 1990 levels, projecting only a 55% decrease. Transport and buildings remain significant sources of emissions, underscoring the importance of initiatives like TfL’s that push forward the decarbonisation of urban infrastructure.

Lilli Matson, TfL’s Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, described the PPA as a landmark in driving a green transformation for London’s transport system. She emphasised that by leveraging its purchasing power to stimulate investment in new renewable energy sources in the UK, TfL is not only cutting emissions but also fostering green jobs, enhancing biodiversity, and stimulating the national economy. This approach is expected to pave the way for more public-private collaborations that accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK's electricity grid more broadly.

In summary, TfL’s new solar PPA represents a major investment in renewable energy, environmental enhancement, and climate leadership in public transport. As part of a cohesive strategy integrating renewable procurement, infrastructure efficiency, and financial innovation, TfL is working to position London’s public transport as a beacon of sustainability in the UK and beyond.

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Source: Noah Wire Services