Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to encourage Network Rail to generate the electricity it consumes from standby electricity generators for its signalling instalments from renewable energy sources.
Network Rail is conducting a study to assess the potential for large scale renewable energy generation across its estate. The long-term aim of the project is to see Network Rail generating renewable electricity for both train traction and other uses.
The Department for Transport recently funded a demonstrator project that has connected 100 solar panels to the Wessex route’s traction system, with energy from the panels set to power signalling and lights.