Transport for London (TfL) has entered a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EDF Renewables UK to supply clean solar energy to the London Underground as part of its wider decarbonisation plan.

The new solar farm will be built in Longfield, Essex, covering roughly 400 hectares of lower-grade farmland. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026. The facility is expected to generate around 80 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually—enough to power over 29,000 homes or run the entire Tube network for a year.

Under the agreement, TfL will receive 20% of the solar farm’s output, while the remainder will be fed into the National Grid. The contract locks in electricity prices, protecting TfL from market fluctuations. Over its lifetime, the project aims to save more than 28,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to over 33,000 one-way flights between London and New York.

Mayor Sadiq Khan highlighted the initiative as a continuation of London’s leadership in climate action. TfL aims to source 70% of its electricity via PPAs by 2030, supporting a cleaner, greener public transport system.

The project also promises significant biodiversity benefits, with planned tree planting and habitat restoration expected to deliver an 87.1% biodiversity net gain—well above the 10% legal requirement.

EDF Renewables UK CEO Matthieu Hue emphasized the partnership’s role in supporting the UK’s net zero goals while creating green jobs and stimulating the economy.

Source: harrowonline.org