Network Rail and EDF sign UK solar PPA

• French utility will make 50MW of power available from its Bloy's Grove PV in Norfolk

Network Rail is to offtake power from EDF Renewables' just recently consented Bloy's Grove solar farm in the eastern of England.

EDF will certainly make 50MW of capacity available to the driver with the power acquisition agreement, which will cover 15% of its annual consumption for non-traction power.

The French utility protected planning permission in June for the solar project, which will be built between Swainsthorpe and also Mulbarton in Norfolk.

It builds on an existing supply collaboration between EDF and also Network Rail, which is committed to sourcing 100% of its non-traction power from renewable resources by 2030.

Non-traction energy describes consumption of associated rail facilities, consisting of workplaces, stations, yards and also maintenance depots.

Jo Lewington, Network Rail's primary setting and also sustainability officer, claimed: "Rail is currently in a solid position in terms of its green credentials, yet it's critical that we do whatever we can as an organization to boost air quality, reduce our use fossil fuels, as well as transition to an industry powered by green, renewable, low-carbon energy.

" Our vision is to offer the country with the cleanest, greenest form of public transportation and also this arrangement marks one more important action in the direction of achieving our objectives."

Matthieu Hue, CEO of EDF Renewables UK, said: "We are really pleased to be dealing with Network Rail to help them on their trip to decarbonisation. This project reveals the ability of EDF Renewables UK to provide varied solutions for customers in terms of inexpensive renewable electricity.

" This additionally demonstrates our ability to create competitive and cost effective renewable power projects in the UK along with underpinning the importance of all renewable technologies in de-carbonising the UK electricity system to reach the country's net zero targets by 2050."

Rail Minister Wendy Morton included: "Our railway has long been the backbone of travel throughout the UK as well as, as one of the greenest forms of transport, it is set to play a main role in slashing emissions as well as assisting us achieve our world-leading decarbonisation objectives.

" This very first of its kind contract is a huge moment not just for Network Rail yet the rail market all at once, instating a journey which will see Britain's preferred transportation come to be even greener, cleaner and a lot more sustainable."