Solar energy to help power the Tube through new partnership with TfL
A major private wire solar project combining rooftop and ground-mounted installations will supply renewable electricity directly to London Underground.
Running one of the world’s busiest metro systems requires vast amounts of electricity, making Transport for London (TfL) the capital’s largest single power user.
But soon millions of journeys on London’s Underground are set to be powered by locally generated solar energy, following TfL appointing SSE Energy Solutions to develop solar infrastructure connected directly to the Tube network.
Once operational, the project could generate up to 65,000 MWh of renewable electricity each year, enough to cover around two-thirds of the Victoria line’s annual power demand – or the electricity used by approximately 25,000 homes.
The project will be one of the first private wire solar schemes developed for a major urban transport network, with electricity generated locally and supplied directly to the Underground rather than routed through the national grid.
Clean power for critical infrastructure
TfL uses around 1.6 TWh of electricity each year to power trains, stations and operational infrastructure across London.
The organisation has set an ambition to run its operations using 100% renewable electricity by 2030, and generating power closer to where it is used is becoming an important part of that transition.
Under the collaboration with SSE Energy Solutions, dedicated solar installations will generate zero-carbon electricity exclusively for the Tube and feed directly into TfL’s private electricity network.
Generating electricity locally can reduce pressure on Britain’s electricity infrastructure while improving energy resilience and helping organisations manage exposure to volatile energy markets.
Over a 25-year period, the project could save more than 27,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to almost 32,900 flights between London and New York, while also supporting investment and jobs in renewable infrastructure.
We're excited to be working together with SSE Energy Solutions to deliver renewable electricity directly to the Tube network. Once built, the new solar installations will provide locally generated renewable electricity, reducing the pressure on the National Grid while also helping to protect us against market volatility.
From left to right: Group Procurement & Commercial Director, TfL, Heather McStay; Chief Safety, Health & Environment Officer, TfL, Lilli Matson; Deputy Mayor of London for Environment & Transport, Mete Çoban; Head of Behind the Meter, SSE Energy Solutions, Emma Cardey; and Senior Business Development Manager, SSE Energy Solutions, Adrian Waddington.
A long-term renewable energy partnership
The agreement is structured through a power purchase agreement (PPA) as part of TfL’s wider Energy Purchasing Strategy, which aims to secure up to 70% of its electricity through PPAs.
SSE Energy Solutions will invest in, design, build and operate the solar installations, providing renewable electricity without requiring upfront capital investment from TfL.
For organisations with large electricity demand, arrangements like this can improve long-term cost certainty, energy resilience and carbon reduction.
Solar generation close to the network
SSE Energy Solutions will now work with TfL to identify suitable locations close to the Underground network that can support direct connections to the transport system.
The scheme is expected to include a mix of ground-mounted solar arrays and rooftop installations, designed to integrate with existing infrastructure across Greater London.
As electricity demand rises and organisations look for ways to decarbonise their operations, generating renewable energy close to where it is used is becoming an increasingly attractive option for large energy users.
For TfL, the project represents another step towards its ambition to become the “green heartbeat” of London, while helping to demonstrate how locally generated renewable energy can support the infrastructure that keeps the capital moving.
Ready to see how solar can deliver results for your business? Contact us at solar@sseenergysolutions.co.uk or visit sseenergysolutions.co.uk/solar
