Transport for London (TfL) has entered into a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EDF Renewables UK to supply renewable electricity from a new solar farm in Longfield, Essex.
Scheduled for construction in 2026, the facility will deliver up to 80 GWh annually to TfL, enough to run the entire Tube network for a year.
TfL aims to source up to 70% of its electricity through PPAs and reach 100% renewable electricity by 2030. They currently consume approximately 1.6 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity annually, making it the capital’s largest single electricity user. The fixed-price nature of the contract is intended to shield TfL from energy market volatility.
Rachel Cary, Head of Industrial Strategy at Energy UK, explained: ‘Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are a powerful tool to unlock investment in renewables. They help reduce system costs, improve air quality, and offer organisations like TfL long-term price stability – all while accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more secure energy system.’
The solar facility is expected to generate around 400 GWh annually by the end of the decade, contributing significantly to the UK’s renewable energy capacity. Over the contract’s duration, the partnership is estimated to reduce TfL’s carbon emissions by over 28,000 tonnes, comparable to 33,300 flights between London and New York.
Covering approximately 400 hectares, the Longfield site will incorporate environmental enhancements such as tree and hedgerow planting and habitat regeneration. A projected biodiversity net gain of 87.1% (the legal requirement is 10%) aims to support local ecosystems and meet biodiversity targets under the Environment Act 2021.
In parallel with the PPA announcement, the Mayor has launched a new climate finance taskforce to mobilise an estimated £75 billion in investment for climate-related infrastructure. The taskforce includes stakeholders from the financial sector and aims to accelerate funding for projects supporting London’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
TfL is also seeking a delivery partner for future private wire solar projects that could directly power the Underground network. If realised, these projects could supply up to 64 MW of electricity, around 5% of the Tube’s demand.
Lilli Matson, TfL’s Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, said: ‘As one of the largest electricity consumers in the UK, we are absolutely committed to doing what we can to decarbonise London through clean, renewable energy sources. This PPA is a landmark moment for us as this agreement enables EDF Renewables UK to invest in a brand new facility for clean electricity supply for our Tube network and GB’s grid – a significant step in our mission to make all our services powered this way by 2030 and a new green era for the Tube.
‘We are using our purchasing power to make public transport the most environmentally sustainable choice Londoners can make. By giving EDFR the security to invest in new renewable energy sources in the UK, we are also creating new green jobs, improving the local biodiversity and wildlife, and stimulating the national economy. This will open doors to more public-private approaches to further accelerate the decarbonisation of GB’s grid.’
Photo by Jude Mack
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