Design of a Connector to feed renewable power in to the traction system

Network Rail operates, maintains and develops Britain's rail tracks, signalling, bridges, tunnels, level crossings and many key stations. As a result, Network Rail is one of the largest purchasers of electricity in the United Kingdom with a total consumption of c.4.5 TWh per annum (traction 4.1 TWh and non-traction 0.45 TWh).

His Majesty's Government has made legal commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Network Rail has committed to support this objective and move our electricity supply to renewable energy.

Network Rail would like to explore opportunities for the direct supply of renewable power ‘behind the meter’, with the renewable energy generators, and with a direct connection to Network Rail’s infrastructure. To support this objective, Network Rail is seeking expressions of interest from capable suppliers to begin the design process to enable renewable power to be fed directly into the Network Rail traction system. Consumption types are DC or single-phase AC power for traction purposes.

Network Rail is seeking a development partner that can demonstrate the technical expertise and possess the financial resources to design and deliver connectivity interface to railway traction system.

Interested parties should email nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk to express an interest.