Network Rail has signed an agreement with EDF Renewables UK which will see enough solar energy to power 20,000 homes used in offices, depots and railway stations across the country.
The agreement will mean 49.9 MW of renewable energy capacity will be made available – and will cover around 15% of Network Rail’s annual consumption of non-traction energy.
It will be provided 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.
Network Rail says it is committed to sourcing all non-traction energy from renewable sources by 2030 as part of its Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
EDF Renewables UK company will build, own and operate the solar farm for the lifetime of the project, and is offering a £20,000 per year community benefit fund which starts when the site is operational.
Network Rail says there will also be significant biodiversity improvements on site, including a community orchard, and the EDF team will liaise with local residents on these matters.
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