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Supplier funded renewables for Traction (DC DPPA framework)
AI Summary
Network Rail, the owner and operator of Great Britain’s railway infrastructure, seeks to shift a substantial portion of its electricity consumption for traction power to renewable sources. In particular, this tender targets the 750 V DC third‑rail network that underpins Southern Region services and Merseyrail. The procurement focuses on the integration of renewable energy generation directly into the 33 kV distribution network that feeds the traction system, thereby supplementing supply from distribution network operators and reducing reliance on conventional fuel sources.
The programme involves an initial pilot project that will assess the feasibility of capturing power from behind‑the‑meter renewable installations—such as solar, wind, storage, or hybrid solutions—through a Direct Power Purchase Agreement under a supplier‑funded model. Successful demonstration will lead to consideration of scaling the solution across the wider DC traction network, with the potential to deliver up to 40 GWh of renewable energy annually. Network Rail requires providers to exhibit proven technical expertise with high‑voltage integration, experience in private‑wire or behind‑the‑meter deployments, and the capacity to operate within stringent railway constraints while adhering to an export limitation scheme designed to prevent excess power from feeding back to the national grid.
Renewable generation must be integrated behind the meter via a 33 kV connection, with an export limitation scheme enforced to prevent surplus energy from reaching the grid.
Description
Network Rail owns, operates and maintains Great Britain’s railway infrastructure, including track, signalling, electrification systems, bridges and stations. As one of the largest electricity consumers in the UK, Network Rail uses approximately 4.5 TWh per annum (c.4.1 TWh traction and 0.45 TWh non-traction).
In support of the UK Government’s Net Zero by 2050 commitment, Network Rail is seeking to transition its electricity supply towards renewable sources.
Scope of Opportunity
Network Rail’s electrified network includes:
• 25 kV AC overhead line systems
• 750 V DC third rail systems (Southern Region and Merseyrail)
This procurement relates exclusively to the 750 V DC third rail network.
The Southern Region DC traction power system comprises:
• ~40 grid connection points supplied by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs)
• A 33 kV (predominantly) three-phase distribution network, with limited 11 kV sections
• Around 300 substations with transformer rectifier units converting AC to 750 V DC
• A highly variable load profile driven by train operations
• Network control via SCADA systems from electrical control rooms
Opportunity Description
Network Rail is exploring opportunities to integrate renewable energy generation “behind the meter”, directly connected to its 33 kV distribution network to supplement existing DNO supplies. An export limitation scheme will be implemented to prevent excess energy being exported to the grid.
The intent is to procure energy through a Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) under a supplier-funded model.
Supplier Requirements
Network Rail is seeking expressions of interest from organisations that can demonstrate:
• Proven capability in renewable generation development covering various technologies (e.g. solar, wind, storage, or hybrid solutions)
• Experience with private wire / behind-the-meter connections and Power Purchase Agreements
• Strong technical expertise in high-voltage integration (33 kV or similar)
• Sufficient financial capacity to deliver a pilot scheme and support potential wider rollout
• Ability to work within operational railway constraints
Programme
• Pilot project to be developed as an initial phase
• Subject to success, potential rollout across the wider DC traction network of up to 40GWh p.a
• Procurement launch anticipated: August 2026
• This will be a single supplier Framework.
Next Steps
Interested parties should submit an expression of interest via email to:
nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk
Estimated date of publication of contract notice: 2026-08-10T23:59:59+01:00
Contract location: UK
Engagement process description
Suppliers should express an interest to Nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk by 03/07/2026. Supplier engagement on contract conditions and scope will take place w/c 06/07/2026 via correspondance.
Lot: 1
Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted: En