Transport for London (TfL) is seeking a partner to develop purpose-built solar farms to help power the London Underground network.

It is inviting bidders to be the delivery partner to invest in and set up solar farms, with opportunities for a broader connection to TfL’s estate.

These solar farms could provide up to 64 MW of clean energy, which is around 5%of the electricity needed to run the London Underground network

This is part of the wider ambition to use 100% renewable source electricity across TfL's operations by 2030.

By entering into private wire agreements with a dedicated delivery partner, TfL will directly receive zero-carbon electricity from a local facility, bypassing the National Grid’s centralised sources and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and reducing pressure on the central electricity grids. In the longer term, private wire schemes could generate financial savings, bypassing some of the costs associated with delivery of power through the National Grid.  

TfL says it is the largest single electricity consumer in London with a demand of approximately 1.6 Terawatt hours (TWh) per year, which is equivalent to the electricity consumed by around 420,000 homes - or 12% of homes across London.

Lilli Matson, TfL's chief safety health environment officer, said: “As London’s strong, green heartbeat, we’re unlocking new ways to make our network and the energy we consume greener.

“We’re inviting bidders to help us deliver purpose-built solar photovoltaic (PV) farms for the Tube network, in a move to make the energy we use and rely on cleaner, greener and potentially more cost-efficient.   

“By opening up new opportunities in the energy market and creating green jobs along the way, this is a start of a long-term journey to decarbonise London’s iconic transport system.

“We want to stay ahead of the curve and make a significant contribution to the acceleration of Great Britain’s grid transition towards net zero.”    

Click here for tender information.