Govia Thameslink reveals seven-step Net Zero carbon plan

The roof of Govia Thameslink Railway’s (GTR’s) Cauldwell Walk depot is receiving 932 photovoltaic panels, as part of its Net Zero Strategy. A similar solar array was installed on Streatham Hill train depot’s roof in 2022, with more planned by not-for-profit group, Energy Garden, at GTR’s Selhurst Depot in Croydon, and Three Bridges Depot in Sussex. 

Forming part of GTR’s commitment to become carbon ‘net zero’ for all its energy needs by 2050, the panels at Cauldwell Walk will generate 322 MWh of electricity a year, expected to save around 66 tonnes of CO2e.

GTR’s action-plan to reach Net Zero by 2050 includes:

• working with Network Rail and government to replace diesel trains, possibly by electrifying the last two sections of Southern Rail track or introducing battery-powered units
• replacing gas with air or ground source heat pumps or equivalent as a source of heating at train depots
• generating energy from more than 6,000 solar panels being installed on the rooftops of train stations and depots in Bedford, London and Sussex
• changing air conditioning systems to limit the damaging impact caused by loss of refrigerant
• replacing fossil fuel equipment with zero carbon systems when it needs replacing, if not sooner
• continuing to source certified renewable electricity for its offices, depots and stations
• installing smart meters

Energy Garden is to sell half the solar electricity to GTR to power its depots and direct profits from selling what’s left over into community development projects. As a not-for-profit organisation, Energy Garden is to invest surplus income above the project costs into local community development.

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