Scotland Rooftop Solar PV

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.