The deal between the two companies will see the provision of enough solar energy to power 20,000 households and will be used in offices, depots and railway stations right across the country.

The contract will see a huge 49.9MW of renewable energy capacity made available which will make up approximately 15% of Network Rail‘s annual consumption of non-traction energy.  EDF Renewables UK’s Bloy’s Grove solar farm, which can be found between Swainsthorpe and Mulbarton in Norfolk, was given planning consent in June.

The contract adds to the current traction supply partnership already in place between Network Rail and the broader EDF Group in the UK. Network Rail has committed to sourcing 100% of its non-traction energy via renewable sources by 2030 and the agreement with EDF Renewables UK marks part of its Environment Sustainability Strategy.

Jo Lewington, Network Rail’s chief environment and sustainability officer, said:

“Rail is already in a strong position in terms of its green credentials, but it’s crucial that we do everything we can as a business to improve air quality, minimise our use of fossil fuels, and transition to an industry powered by green, renewable, low-carbon energy.

“Our vision is to serve the nation with the cleanest, greenest form of public transport and this agreement marks another important step towards achieving our aims.”

Matthieu Hue, CEO of EDF Renewables UK, said:

“We are very pleased to be working with Network Rail to help them on their journey to decarbonisation. This project shows the ability of EDF Renewables UK to provide diverse solutions for customers in terms of low-cost renewable electricity.

“This also demonstrates our ability to develop competitive and affordable renewable power projects in the UK as well as underpinning the importance of all renewable technologies in de-carbonising the UK electricity system to reach the country’s net zero targets by 2050.”

Rail Minister Wendy Morton said:

“Our railway has long been the backbone of travel across the UK and, as one of the greenest forms of transport, it is set to play a central role in slashing emissions and helping us achieve our world-leading decarbonisation goals.

“This first of its kind agreement is a huge moment not just for Network Rail but the rail industry as a whole, setting in motion a journey which will see Britain’s favourite transport become even greener, cleaner and more sustainable.”

EDF Renewables UK is working with both the local community and council in order to move forward with the next steps which will see the construction and operation of the solar farm. The company will oversee the building and will own and run the solar farm for the entirety of the project and will provide £20,000 each year to a community benefit fund, which will begin as soon as the site is operating.

The site will also undergo substantial biodiversity improvements, including a community orchard, which will see the EDF Renewables UK team working with local residents.

Network Rail’s 30-year Environmental Sustainability Strategy will direct the actions and timelines needed in order to deliver its aims which are to:

• Provide a low-emission railway
• Create a reliable railway service that is resilient to climate change
• Improve the biodiversity of plants and wildlife
• Create minimal waste with sustainable use of materials

To find out more about the Environmental Sustainability Strategy please visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/publications-and-resources/environmental-sustainability-strategy/