FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) subsidiary SNCF Energy has signed a 20-year contract with electricity producer EDF Renewables for the supply of renewable energy.
This will be produced by a 20MW farm of solar panels, construction of which will start shortly in Souillac, between Limoges and Toulouse, for opening in 2023.
SNCF has negotiated a competitive price fixed in advance for the whole 20 years. The solar farm will produce 25gWh, the equivalent of around half the energy consumed by TGVs operating between Lille and Paris. SNCF expects to use 40-50% of renewable energy for traction by 2025.
