East Midlands Railway (EMR) has marked a significant milestone in its journey to net zero by unveiling a major solar panel installation at East Midlands Parkway station. The project forms the launchpad of its wider sustainability plan, titled Getting There Greener.
Developed in partnership with Nottingham-based MTG Energy Solutions, the installation includes 244 solar panels on the station’s roof. The £104,000 project is forecast to reduce the station’s carbon dioxide emissions by 16.2 tonnes per year and already generates around two-thirds of the building’s electricity. The panels feature anti-glare technology to ensure safe train operation as drivers approach from the south.
Serving as a pilot, the initiative will inform EMR’s long-term sustainability strategy, which includes a target of generating 100,000 kWh of solar PV energy annually by 2030.
The launch event also officially introduced EMR’s Getting There Greener strategy. The plan, which sets out to reach net zero by 2045, focuses on emission reduction, greater energy efficiency, and embedding sustainable practices across the business. The goals are underpinned by science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at EMR, said: “It’s quite fitting that the launch event of Getting There Greener is in the shadow of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, a towering symbol of the country’s fossil fuel past. This project is our first step on our journey towards a more environmentally friendly railway.”
Matthew Guest, Managing Director at MTG Energy Solutions, added: “We are delighted to support EMR in delivering its green initiatives. East Midlands Parkway is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how renewable energy can play a vital role in reducing railway emissions and supporting sustainable travel.”
Wayne Bexton, Director of Green Growth, Investment and Assets at Nottinghamshire County Council, commented: “Sustainable travel is key to ensuring we achieve our net zero ambitions. Making sure the buildings and assets which support this ultimately become carbon neutral is really important. We look forward to working closely with EMR to deliver more work across Nottinghamshire together.”
The rollout of new Aurora bi-mode trains later this year will mark another big step toward decarbonising EMR’s intercity services between London, the Midlands and South Yorkshire.
