The Anonymous Widower

Bedford Depot’s Massive Solar Roof Helps Thameslink On Way To Net Zero

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on RailUK.

These four paragraphs give full details of the project.

Work has begun installing one of Bedford’s biggest solar arrays – on the roof of Govia Thameslink Railway’s (GTR’s) train depot, in Cauldwell Walk.

Almost 1,000 photovoltaic panels (932) will generate 322 MWh of electricity a year – enough to power 120 homes every year, saving more than 66 tonnes of CO2e. They form part of GTR’s commitment to become carbon ‘net zero’ for all its energy needs by 2050.

The solar roof – one of four at different depots across GTR’s vast 11 county network – is being installed by not-for-profit community climate action group Energy Garden.

When it comes online in the New Year, Energy Garden will sell half the solar electricity to GTR to power the depots and plough profits from selling what’s left over into community development projects – Energy Garden already works with more than 50 community groups.

This Google Map shows the location of Bedford Cauldwell Park TMD with respect to Bedford station.

Note.

Bedford station is at the top of the map.

Bedford Cauldwell Park TMD is marked by the red arrow.

This second map shows the depot to an enlarged scale.

Note.

1. The map appears to show several roofs, that could be candidates for solar panels.
2. At least one shed sells cars. Do they sell electric ones?

As the rail depot appears to be the largest building of its type in the centre of Bedford, in the future will it be serving as a advert for Energy Garden?

This project sounds like a good idea.

And I like the way it’s financed.

December 22, 2023 - Posted by AnonW | Energy, Finance, Transport/Travel | Bedford, Bedford Cauldwell Park TMD, Bedford Station, Charity, Energy Garden, Gardens, Govia Thameslink Railway, Solar Power