Solar Plant to Power London Underground Trains by 2026

A new solar power facility will soon supply energy for London Underground trains, covering 80 GWh per year as part of TfL’s mission to shift to 100% renewables by 2030. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Transport for London signed a 15-year agreement with EDF Renewables UK to secure part of its electricity from solar power. The project is expected to boost clean energy capacity for the Underground.

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EDF’s Longfield Solar Energy Farm in Essex will begin construction in 2026. Around 20% of its total energy—equal to 80 GWh annually—will be delivered to TfL, London’s largest electricity user.

The organization consumes 1.6 TWh of electricity each year. Its long-term strategy involves sourcing up to 70% of its total needs via long-term power purchase agreements.

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According to Lilli Matson, TfL’s Chief Safety, Health & Environment Officer, this is a vital step toward reducing emissions in London. She highlighted that this deal enables the development of new infrastructure for renewable energy.

The goal is to power all TfL operations with clean electricity by 2030. The remaining power needs will be met through flexible green energy tariffs aligned with this strategy.

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Rollo Maschietto from the Renewable Energy Association welcomed the agreement. He said TfL’s move helps scale large solar projects across the UK while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Maschietto stressed that expanding solar power will stabilize electricity prices and support energy security. He called the initiative a strong example of public-sector leadership in climate action.

Through this collaboration, TfL is helping drive investment in clean energy, supporting green jobs, and reinforcing the UK’s low-carbon future. It also strengthens the city’s resilience to energy price volatility.

Source, photo: www.railwaygazette.com

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