French railway operator launches renewables arm to add 1 GWp of solar

French railway company SNCF has set up a renewable energy subsidiary that will deploy 1 GWp of solar capacity to help cover some of the group’s electricity needs with clean power.

SNCF Renouvelables will seek to support the railway operator in the path to become energy-independent by 2050, SNCF said last week.

Under the plan, the renewable energy unit will install photovoltaic (PV) plants on available SNCF land and buildings. Around 1,000 ha (2,470 acres) of land areas have already been identified as suitable for this purpose and will accommodate the company’s initial portfolio.

The railway company’s goal is to add the targeted 1 GWp by 2030 and cover between 15% and 20% of its current electricity needs with solar power. Work on the projects, which envisage the construction of ground-mounted and rooftop arrays and solar carports, is due to begin at 30 properties across various French regions.

SNCF is among France's top electricity consumers, using an average of 9 TWh per year for its fleet of 15,000 daily running trains and its 3,000 stations and industrial buildings. It has set a 2030 goal of cutting its carbon footprint by 30% for its transport operations and 50% for buildings from 2015 levels.

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