Network Rail has signed a solar power agreement with EDF Renewables UK.

In another stride towards a greener, more sustainable railway for Britain, 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 contract will mean 49.9 MW of renewable energy capacity is available – and will cover around 15% of Network Rail’s annual consumption of non-traction energy –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.

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The agreement is in line with Network Rail’s commitment to sourcing 100% of non-traction energy from renewable sources by 2030 as part of its Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

EDF Renewables UK will now work closely with the local community and the council to plan the next steps towards construction and operation of the solar farm. The 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.

There will also be significant biodiversity improvements on site, including a community orchard and the team will liaise with local residents on these matters.