Scope
Description
Introduction
Network Rail (NR) is a public-sector organisation which owns, operates and maintains the rail infrastructure in the United Kingdom. Network Rail owns and operates 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and thousands of signals, level crossings and stations, as well as offices and depots across the country. We manage 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are currently managed by the country's Train Operating Companies (TOC's). Although this may change with the nationalisation of the Train Operating Companies and the creation of Great British Railways (GBR).
Background
Network Rail, including TOC's, use approximately 4.5TWh of electricity a year, about 0.5TWh is used by NR to power our stations, offices, depots, signals etc. (non-traction power) with the other 4TWh used to power the trains (Traction power).
NR has a well-established Transition to Renewables (T2R) programme which includes both on-site renewables, via capital investment and supplier funded, and Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPA's). NR has a target to transition all non-traction consumption to renewables by 2030.
Overview
Network Rail intends to establish a framework of five capable and experienced suppliers to support the delivery of on-site or near site supplier funded renewable energy solutions delivered through Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).
The framework will support a variety of renewable energy deployment types, including:
• Rooftops installations
• Car park solar canopies
• Ground-mount systems
• High energy consuming sites with potential to secure nearby land option.
The framework will be technology agnostic, allowing for Solar PV, on-site wind turbines, and future emerging technologies, with the option to include energy storage solutions where appropriate.
The framework will be awarded to five suppliers and be valid for 8 years. It will be available for use across Network Rail, as well as covering the nationalised ToC's and GBR, including any affiliates. Call-offs will be run as mini competitions through the framework for individual sites or a portfolio of sites. Each resulting call-off contract will be for a term of up to 25 years depending on the technology and project requirements. At the end of the contract there may be an option to:
• Purchase the renewable assets from the supplier for a nominal fee, or
• Require the removal of the asset and reinstatement of the site.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £240,000,000 excluding VAT
- £252,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2034
- 8 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 09310000 - Electricity
- 09330000 - Solar energy
- 31121300 - Wind-energy generators
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
31 July 2025
Engagement process description
Network Rail is seeking to engage with interested suppliers as part of a Pre-Market Engagement exercise to ensure adequate market interest and to help shape the design of the framework and form of contract.
We welcome expressions of interest from suppliers with relevant experience in delivering supplier-funded renewable energy projects (PPA's).
Capable suppliers should express an interest by the deadlne and a questionaire will be sent out. Follow up meetings may be held with suppliers.
To express an interest in taking part in the Market Engagement - please email Richard.Akinyemi@networkrail.co.uk. With the subject heading "EOI - PPA Framework for Onsite renewables".
Please also register on our Procurement portal at https://networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk/
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 December 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Contracting authority
NETWORK RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNZN-9524-VCQJ
Waterloo General Office
London
SE1 8SW
United Kingdom
Contact name: Nikki Hunter
Email: nikki.hunter@networkrail.co.uk
Website: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/
Region: UKI45 - Lambeth
Organisation type: Public authority - central government