11.01.13
EDF Energy to supply electricity to Network Rail
Network Rail has awarded EDF Energy a ten-year contract for the supply of electricity to power the rail network.
EDF Energy will supply around 3.2TWh of electricity a year, and has pledged to ensure 100% of it is ‘matched’ by low-carbon energy generated at its eight nuclear power stations.
Electric trains now account for 55% of rail traffic, with 40% of the network electrified. This is set to grow considerably with the development of the electric spine, and by 2020, 54% of the network will be electrified with electric trains accounting for 75% of all rail traffic.
Sir David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, said: “Rail is already the greenest form of public transport and this partnership with EDF Energy will help us make it greener still. Our work to electrify hundreds of miles of railway represents the biggest programme of rail electrification in a generation and will provide faster, quieter and more reliable journeys for millions of passengers every week while cutting the cost of the railway.
“Thanks to a firm commitment from government to invest in electrification schemes across the country, we are transforming the railway and providing Britain with a sustainable, world-class transport system that is fit for the future. This innovative contract for low-carbon energy will provide excellent value to the rail industry and means we are not only providing a greener railway, but also a better value railway for Britain.”
Vincent de Rivaz, CEO of EDF Energy, said: “Network Rail is the biggest single electricity customer in the UK so this long-term deal is a massive vote of confidence in our nuclear-backed energy. Rail is already one of the least carbon intensive ways to travel and the huge investment in electrification will be backed by a stable and affordable supply of low carbon energy.
“The deal places nuclear energy at the heart of the UK's infrastructure for the next 10 years and serves to underline that nuclear power is part of everyday life in Britain. It's a big boost for EDF Energy following our success in winning the supply contract for the UK Government – which includes the NHS, Highways Agency and the Metropolitan Police – along with a deal agreed this year to supply the majority of Scotland's public bodies.”
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