DPPA framework (Supplier funded On-site renewables)

Introduction

Network Rail (NR) is a public-sector organisation which owns, operates and maintains the rail infrastructure in the United Kingdom. Network Rail owns and operates 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and thousands of signals, level crossings and stations, as well as offices and depots across the country. We manage 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are currently managed by the country’s Train Operating Companies (TOC’s). Although this may change with the nationalisation of the Train Operating Companies and the creation of Great British Railways (GBR).

Background

Network Rail, including TOC’s, use approximately 4.5TWh of electricity a year, about 0.5TWh is used by NR to power our stations, offices, depots, signals etc. (non-traction power) with the other 4TWh used to power the trains (Traction power).

NR has a well-established Transition to Renewables (T2R) programme which includes both on-site renewables, via capital investment and supplier funded, and Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPA’s). NR has a target to transition all non-traction consumption to renewables by 2030.

Overview

Network Rail intends to establish a framework of five capable and experienced suppliers to support the delivery of on-site or near site supplier funded renewable energy solutions delivered through Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).

The framework will support a variety of renewable energy deployment types, including:

• Rooftops installations
• Car park solar canopies
• Ground-mount systems
• High energy consuming sites with potential to secure nearby land option.

The framework will be technology agnostic, allowing for Solar PV, on-site wind turbines, and future emerging technologies, with the option to include energy storage solutions where appropriate.

The framework will be awarded to five suppliers and be valid for 8 years. It will be available for use across Network Rail, as well as covering the nationalised ToC’s and GBR, including any affiliates. Call-offs will be run as mini competitions through the framework for individual sites or a portfolio of sites. Each resulting call-off contract will be for a term of up to 25 years depending on the technology and project requirements. At the end of the contract there may be an option to:

• Purchase the renewable assets, or
• Extend the contract at a reduced price, or
• Require the removal of the asset and reinstatement of the site.

An initial award of up to five sites will be made to the highest scoring supplier, subject to feasibility and affordability. Further information is included in the procurement documents.