The move is set to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 60,000t. Credit: Terelyuk/Shutterstock.

The construction of a solar farm is set to begin in Norfolk, which will help power Network Rail’s stations and offices in the UK.

A corporate power purchase agreement (CoPPA) has been signed by Network Rail with energy supplier EDF Renewables.

Following this deal, EDF Renewables will commence work on the solar facility located at Bloy’s Grove, near Swainsthorpe, within view of the Great Eastern Main Line.

The CoPPA, claimed to be a first for Britain’s railway system, will deliver 64GWh of solar energy each year for the next 14 years, providing approximately 15% of the electricity required for Network Rail’s offices, depots, and managed stations.

One year’s supply of clean energy from this deal is reportedly comparable to powering the London Liverpool Street station for nine years.

Over the contract’s duration, the energy provided could power all 20 Network Rail-managed stations for eight years.

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UK Minister of State for Rail Lord Peter Hendy said: “We are working with partners across the rail industry to build a modern transport network with our environmental commitments at the heart.

“The government’s Plan for Change is driving economic growth, transitioning the country to sustainable energy, and securing jobs. Under our new integrated approach, we are ensuring the British rail industry remains at the forefront of innovation and improvement.” 

This initiative is seen as a significant stride in Network Rail’s Green Strategy, which aims to transition to sustainable energy sources across its operations.

Network Rail CFO Jeremy Westlake said: “This contract, the first of its kind for the railway, shows how organisations like Network Rail can use their buying power to drive investment in clean power generation for the country.

“With the railway industry set to unite under Great British Railways, this contract, our Green Strategy, and a cohesive railway system provide us with even more opportunities to reduce emissions and make our railway even greener.”

The solar farm, to be built and operated by EDF Renewables UK, is projected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by about 60,000 tonnes (t), an impact akin to planting over two million trees.

Additionally, EDF Renewables UK has committed to a community fund of £20,000 ($26,900) annually over the project’s 35-year lifespan.

In April this year, Network Rail embarked on a year-long project to renovate Scarborough’s railway station roof.

Concurrently, Network Rail Property submitted a redevelopment plan for the London Liverpool Street station, an initiative designed to cater to future growth in passenger numbers.