The announcement represents another marker in Network Rail's ambition to establish a greener, more sustainable railway for Britain.
The contract will mean 49.9MW of renewable energy capacity is available, covering around 15 per cent of Network Rail’s annual non-traction electricity consumption. The energy will be supplied from EDF Renewables UK’s Bloy’s Grove solar farm between Swainsthorpe and Mulbarton in Norfolk, which received planning consent in June this year. This builds upon the existing traction supply partnership between Network Rail and the wider EDF Group in the UK.
This latest agreement is in line with Network Rail’s commitment to sourcing 100 per cent of non-traction energy from renewable sources by 2030 as part of its 'Environmental 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...