Rail network signs major offshore wind power deal

24 April 2026

Network Rail has agreed a deal with RWE that will see around 65% of its non-traction electricity supplied from an offshore wind farm, in a move aimed at cutting emissions across its operations.

Non-traction electricity refers to power used in buildings and facilities, rather than the electricity used to run trains.

The five-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreement will provide about 300 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity each year, with the energy coming from the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm in the Irish Sea, located about 15 miles from the North Wales coastline.

Network Rail says the agreement will reduce its carbon emissions by roughly 168,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Electricity generated by the wind farm is expected to begin supplying offices, depots and managed stations from April 2027.

The wind farm, which began operating in 2015, has 160 turbines and a total capacity of 576 megawatts. The deal forms part of Network Rail’s wider plan to source all non-traction electricity from renewable energy by 2030.

Paul Marshall, Network Rail’s chief financial officer, says:

“This contract marks a significant step forward in our transition to renewable energy. This agreement with RWE represents a major step towards our ambition to power all our non-traction electricity from renewable sources by 2030.”

RWE describes the agreement as the first public sector power purchase deal under the government’s new commercial framework. Olaf Lubenow, head of commodity solutions at RWE Supply & Trading, comments:

“By providing Network Rail with offshore wind power, we are helping to significantly reduce emissions while enhancing the long-term stability and reliability of their electricity procurement.”

The agreement follows a separate renewable energy contract signed in 2025, which secured solar power for the network. Together, the two deals are expected to supply about 80% of Network Rail’s non-traction electricity from renewable sources.

Image credit: RWE Renewables