A new solar farm in Norfolk is set to provide power for a number of Network Rail stations and offices following a deal between the rail body and energy supplier EDF Renewables.
The Corporate Purchase Power Agreement will see the farm provide Network Rail with 64GWh of clean energy at a fixed cost per year for the next 14 years, with the energy accounting for roughly 15% of the electricity needed for its offices, depots and stations.
The agreement has enabled EDF to begin work on an additional solar facility at Bloy’s Grove, near Swainsthorpe in Norfolk, situated near the Great Eastern Main Line.
The farm will provide enough energy to power every Network Rail-managed station (20) for eight years over the course of the 14 year contract
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:We are working with partners across the rail industry to build a modern transport network with our environmental commitments at the heart. The Government’s Plan for Change is driving economic growth, transitioning the country to sustainable energy, and securing jobs. Under our new integrated approach, we are ensuring the British rail industry remains at the forefront of innovation and improvement.
The new facility, which will be built, owned and managed by EDF Renewables UK, is hoped to contribute to the saving of roughly 60,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over the course of its lifetime – the equivalent of planing approximately 2.2 million trees.
EDF Renewables UK has also pledged a community fund of 20,000 GBP annually for the 35-year lifetime of the project.
James Schwerdt, Head of Solar at EDF Renewables UK, said:We are very pleased to be working with Network Rail to help them transition to green, renewable, low-carbon energy. This project shows the importance of technologies such as solar in reducing costs and de-carbonising the UK electricity system to reach the country’s target of net zero by 2050.
