How renewable energy procurement offers cities immediate, practical solutions for cleaner public transport
Throughout Europe, cities are setting ambitious net-zero goals to improve air quality for their residents. Electrifying public transport stands out as a practical, immediate step that enables city planners and managers to achieve rapid reductions in carbon emissions.
Encouraging greater use of mass transit is a strategy that can be implemented straight away, swiftly reducing the volume of cars on the road and significantly cutting transport-related emissions. However, for enhanced public transport networks to deliver meaningful emissions savings, cities must establish a strategy to secure a cheap and reliable supply of renewable energy.
Power purchase agreements (PPAs) are emerging as a preferred option that make renewable energy a reality for large-scale urban infrastructure. PPAs are attractive to operators, as they are a practical approach for public transport authorities to meet ambitious climate targets. They secure a supply of low carbon energy by locking in price stability in potentially volatile energy markets, and offer lower electricity costs, that support direct emission reductions. By supporting energy sourced from wind and solar projects, operators actively contribute to Europe’s energy transition.
A number of transport operators are putting PPAs into action. In July, Transport for London (TfL) – operator of one of Europe’s largest urban transport networks – signed an 80 gigawatt hour (GWh) solar PPA set to power its operations from 2025. This agreement stabilises energy costs for TfL and helps save 28,000 tonnes of carbon, advancing its progress toward the goal of 100% renewably sourced electricity by 2030.
Across the channel, Paris public transport operator RATP signed a three-year contract for 60 GWh of wind energy with electricity provider EDF – its first green energy contract, followed by a solar contract for an additional 60 GWh with UrbaSolar. For RATP, the solar contracts alone represent a significant milestone toward its 2030 goal of powering transport from 15% renewable energy sources.
Cities also see the benefits of securely priced renewable energy beyond powering metros and busses. PPAs are seen as a cost-effective energy option to power a wide-range of large construction and infrastructure projects. For the construction of Paris’ new metro line 18, contractors Ferrovial SE and Spie Batignolle concluded a contract for 25 GWh in renewables with EDF.
These examples demonstrate the value that renewable energy sourcing brings to operators and infrastructure companies, and how PPAs make a real difference to public transport and city operation more generally.
See the full picture at RE-Source 2025 (4-5 November)
The increasing popularity of PPAs and the subsequent expansion of renewable energy projects are key reasons why renewable energy buyers from the transport sector and many other industries meet with energy sellers and market experts at RE-Source 2025 (4-5 November, Amsterdam). The conference is Europe’s only major event dedicated to corporate renewable energy sourcing.
From guidance on how to access PPAs and tours of PPA models, to the latest updates from experts on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, RE-Source 2025 presents a comprehensive programme of expert sessions and networking opportunities.
Public transport renewable energy buyers and procurement specialists can join the exclusive Energy Buyers Day on 3 November.
Registration for RE-Source 2025 is already open and all corporate energy buyers can participate for free. Start your renewable energy purchasing journey today.
Photos: © RE-Source
