Sadiq Khan wants to build solar farms in leafy commuter suburbs in £175m Net Zero push

Khan hopes to construct solar farms near tube stations which will connect directly to the London Underground power system.

In a plea to developers, TFL’s chief environment officer Lilli Matson said: “We’re inviting bidders to help us deliver purpose-built solar photovoltaic (PV) farms for the Tube network … This is the start of a long-term journey to decarbonise London’s iconic transport system.”

The proposal would likely sting those living outside of London, with Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex believed to be the best locations.

The Central Line stretches to as far as Epping, while the Metropolitan Line reaches Chesham.

A TFL spokesman said: “The location of projects will be determined on a site-by-site basis.”

In a statement, TFL added: “The location of projects will be determined by the developer.

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"Due to the nature of private wire schemes, it will likely be required to be close to the TfL network.”

The push is part of a wider £175million scheme that would see a network of solar farms initially providing around five per cent of the needed power.

TFL hopes to power the tube and the rest of its operations entirely on green electricity by 2030.

London’s transport body generates a whopping £350million power bill, with its hourly 1.6 terawatt rate being the equivalent to the needs of 420,000 homes.

Mete Coban, London’s deputy mayor for environment and energy, said: “Powering London’s world-leading transport system with green energy is a clear win-win.

“Installing solar panels as a source of renewable energy is one of many ways organisations in London can lower their carbon footprint.”

Khan's controversial Net Zero pursuit led to his popularity tanking after he expanded the carbon-curbing Ulez scheme in August 2023.

Despite facing a backlash, particular from Londoners in outer boroughs, Khan returned to City Hall earlier this year following a thumping victory over Conservative challenger Susan Hall.