Transport for Greater Manchester have agreed a long-term deal for clean energy generated in the UK which could mean that the Bee Network becomes the UK’s first carbon-neutral public transport system.
They are entering into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with AGR Power which will provide energy cost certainty and help unlock investment in new renewable energy infrastructure for up to 20 years.
Under the proposed agreement, the renewable electricity generated by the project would be exported to the National Grid. In return TfGM will benefit from a long-term supply of renewable energy at an agreed price, helping to create new renewable energy that would not otherwise be generated.
The amount of energy secured by TfGM, which will be provided from AGR’s solar development in the east of England, is for 42 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy a year, broadly equivalent to the amount of power currently used to run the Metrolink network and over half of TfGM’s current energy usage.
If the partnership proves to be successful, TfGM may explore more PPAs in the future to cover the running of a fully zero-emission Bee Network bus fleet – including depots – the introduction of which will quadruple energy demand from its pre bus electrification levels.
Bev Craig, Mayor of West Midlands, said: “This is brilliant news and means that Greater Manchester is leading the way in this field yet again. By securing homegrown renewable energy for the long term, we’re protecting passengers and taxpayers from rising energy costs while helping to power the Bee Network with clean energy.
“This agreement with AGR also means more money going back into Greater Manchester communities through local charities, delivering real social value alongside economic and environmental benefits.
“We’ve set ourselves a big ambition to create the UK’s first carbon-neutral public transport system, and partnerships like this one with AGR show we’re getting on with the job.”
AGR’s Burwell site, due to open 2028, will displace around 19,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, while also delivering improvements to biodiversity and habitats in the Cambridgeshire area.
The PPA will also include an annual donation to two Greater Manchester charities – We Love Manchester and Forever Manchester – to support education, employment, community resilience, social inclusion and environmental projects across the city-region.