Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has installed a network of solar panels at Denmark Hill station, Streatham Hill depot, and Blackfriars station as part of its commitment to a more sustainable future.

Last year, the photovoltaic (PV) arrays at Denmark Hill station and Streatham Hill depot generated 236,387kWh of energy, which is equivalent to boiling a kettle to make 7.5 million cups of tea. The energy generated through the panels also saved 46 tonnes (45,713kg) of CO2 per year.

In 2021, in collaboration with Network Rail, 526 solar panels were installed on the roof of Streatham Hill depot. Working with the community climate action group Energy Garden, they are part of an innovative cooperative energy project to transform the depot into a local source of renewable energy.

At Denmark Hill station, a new type of photovoltaic film, which can produce more energy than the building needs and put energy back into the electricity grid, was installed on the roof as part of an initiative to deliver the first “carbon positive” upgrade on the rail network.

At Blackfriars Station, 6,000m2 of photovoltaic panels were installed on the station’s roof in 2012 when it was rebuilt by Network Rail as part of the Thameslink Programme. At the time, it was the world’s largest solar-powered bridge, and was estimated that it would cut CO2 emissions by 513 tonnes, equivalent to around 89,000 average car journeys. Last year, the panels produced 900,000kWh of energy.

Jason Brooker BSc (Hons) MSc MIEMA CEnv, Head of Environment at Govia Thameslink Railway, commented: “We all know that traveling by rail is a sustainable option. However, at GTR we want to ensure that our commitment to decarbonisation and sustainability is clear for our passengers to see.

“We already take measures such as ensuring all the electricity we use across our stations and depots comes from green energy tariffs using renewable energy assets, as well as looking at our efficiency – from the LED lights to the way we heat our offices.

“Creating our own energy, including through the incredible successful solar panel network, is the next logical step. We are incredibly pleased with the results to date – and hope this will be the beginning of more savings to come.”