Scotland Rooftop Solar PV

Network Rail are undertaking a Decarbonisation / Energy Efficiency Programme across a range of built assets in all UK Regions. The project is part of the Decarbonisation Programme aimed at supporting Network Rail (NR) to meet its targets for zero carbon emission as part of the Government’s Road to Zero strategy.

Network Rail Route Services have national targets to achieve carbon and energy reductions in their operations as outlined in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy . An overview of Network Rail scope of activities may be found on our web site .

As one of the UK’s largest electricity consumers, NR has set targets to decarbonise traction and non-traction electricity consumption by utilising Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). PPAs help us deliver our decarbonisation requirements; reduce electricity cost volatility by fixed price contracts (for a major cost item); and provides resilience to NR’s long-term planning.

This project supports NR achieving its non-traction decarbonisation target of 100% renewable electricity by 2030 by the development of rooftop (on-site) solar PVs for on-site electricity consumption. The project aims to select a developer to survey viable sites and with NR’s approval fund, construct, maintain and operate solar PV generation facilities (solar arrays) on the selected rooftop sites in Scotland’s Railways. NR will purchase the renewable energy generated via on-site PPAs. Any renewable energy generated in excess of NR’s demand will be spilled/sold to the Grid.

The energy landscape is shifting towards renewable energy sources, driven by climate change concerns, increasing energy demand, and the need for sustainable solutions. Network Rail (NR) has recognised the importance of incorporating renewable energy, such as solar power, into their operations to reduce their carbon footprint, improve efficiency, and contribute to sustainability goals. Instead of drawing its energy from traditional grid sources, NR is set to gravitate towards an increased reliance on renewable energy.

The procurement aims to establish a partnership between Network Rail (NR) and a renewable energy developer for the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays across various sites in Scotland. With the main objectives of cost-saving, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving service delivery, this partnership will contribute to NR's sustainability goals and reduce its carbon footprint.

The project focuses on installing solar PV arrays at stations, depots, offices, car parks (with an emphasis on solar carports), and other viable sites within Scotland, the customer for the outcome of this procurement. By strategically selecting locations, NR aims to maximise the benefits of solar energy generation. However, ground-mounted solar PV arrays are excluded due to potential land-use conflicts and environmental concerns.

The procurement will select a renewable energy developer who will be granted an exclusive development agreement for five years, with a potential two-year extension at Network Rail’s discretion and subject to satisfactory performance. The developer will be responsible for conducting site surveys, funding, constructing, maintaining, owning, and operating the solar PV arrays. They will also decommission the arrays at the end of the lease and PPA and restore the site afterward.

Network Rail intends to award the following;

(a) Development Agreement: Development Agreement will run for a period of 5 years with an option for Network Rail to extend for an additional 2 years subject at Network Rail’s discretion and subject to satisfactory performance.

(b) Onsite PPA: The Onsite PPA will be for a term of 25 years to match the useful life of the asset with an option for the Developer to extend for a further 5 years.

(c) Site Lease: The Site Lease will be for a term of 25 years to match the useful life of the solar assets with an option for the Developer to extend for a further 5 years. Additional information: In order to express an interest and download the procurement documentation you must register with the NR Bravo system at the address listed above.