Getting There Greener: EMR turns on new solar panels at East Midlands Parkway and sets out route to net zero
- Solar panels will cut the building’s CO2 emissions by 16.2 tonnes a year
- At launch, panels are already generating around two thirds of the building’s electricity
- Installation marks the start of EMR’s journey to net zero and the launch of its Getting There Greener strategy
- Pilot project will determine if other stations on EMR’s network could follow suit
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has hosted an official event at East Midlands Parkway station to unveil new solar panels and mark the beginning of its journey to net zero – titled Getting There Greener.
The solar panel installation, developed in partnership with Nottingham-based MTG Energy Solutions, features 244 solar panels on the station’s roof.
The £104,000 project is expected to cut the building’s CO₂ emissions by 16 tonnes annually and significantly reduce operational costs, with a payback period of around six years. The panels also utilise the latest anti-glare technology to ensure the safe operation of the railway as drivers travel south towards the station.
Serving as a pilot, the solar scheme will inform EMR’s strategy for rolling out similar initiatives across its network, as it seeks to install 100,000 kWh per year of solar PV renewable energy generating capacity from 2030.
The event to officially switch on the panels also marked the start of EMR’s wider Getting There Greener strategy, reinforcing its commitment to delivering a more sustainable railway for the region it serves.
The strategy aims to achieve net zero by 2045 by reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and integrating sustainable practices across EMR’s operations. All this work is backed by science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Travelling by train in the UK continues to be the most sustainable option. Indeed, in terms of average carbon emissions, it is four times less carbon-intensive than travelling by car—while also improving air quality and reducing city centre congestion.
In the East Midlands, committed plans and targets are in place to deliver a net zero carbon rail service by 2045. A big step towards this will be taken later this year with the introduction of EMR’s new Aurora electric-diesel bimodal intercity train, transforming and decarbonising train services from London to the Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “It’s quite fitting that the launch event of Getting There Greener is in the shadow of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, a towering symbol of the country’s fossil fuel past.
“This project is our first step on our journey towards a more environmentally friendly railway. By reducing our carbon footprint and trialling innovative solutions, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, greener future.”
Matthew Guest, Managing Director at MTG Energy Solutions, added: “We are delighted to support EMR in delivering its green initiatives. East Midlands Parkway is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how renewable energy can play a vital role in reducing railway emissions and supporting sustainable travel.”
Wayne Bexton, Director of Green Growth, Investment and Assets at Nottinghamshire County Council, commented: “Nottinghamshire County Council is delighted to support the Getting There Greener strategy being launched by EMR and is encouraged by the links to our own Nottinghamshire Plan and Net Zero Framework.
“Sustainable travel is key to ensuring we achieve our net zero ambitions, and making sure the buildings and assets which support this ultimately become carbon neutral is really important. We look forward to working closely with EMR to deliver more work across Nottinghamshire together.”