London to Eastbourne train route to be powered by solar

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As we move further and further with the renewable energy revolution, the hope is that not only will we see individual homes or offices drawing the majority of their energy from solar generation, but also entire infrastructure. That’s why this latest piece of news we have to share is so exciting.

It was recently announced that solar rail specialist Riding Sunbeams had been awarded over £2.5m as part of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership’s £85 million portion of the UK Government’s new ‘Getting Building Fund’. The grant will be utilised to build a solar farm which will in turn power the rail network between Eastbourne and London. It’s a hugely significant step to see such a prominent rail line rely on solar.

The overall scheme is a £900 million UK-wide purse that is focused on funding local infrastructure projects, particularly those which drive economic growth and support green energy after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 3.75MW solar farm, known as Cuckmere Community Solar Farm, has had planning approval since 2017 but this recent grant has seen it reach the funds it needed to go ahead in earnest. The hope is that the solar farm will be providing the power for the aforementioned railway network by March 2022. 

Paul Harwood, who is the Southern Region Investment Director for Network Rail, stated, “Trains are already an incredibly efficient way of carrying people and freight – our ambition is to run a railway that’s sustainable as well as efficient. This grant is great news and we look forward to working with Riding Sunbeams in Sussex.”

Maria Caulfield, who is currently MP for Lewes, added, “I am delighted Riding Sunbeams are to be supported with £2.5 million from the Getting Building Fund as one of five projects in my Lewes constituency to receive funding. Riding Sunbeams is a world-leading innovator in decarbonising our railways to help tackle the climate emergency. Harnessing innovation like this is crucial for making journeys greener and cleaner. Well done to everyone involved in this project. I can’t wait to see the amazing things that can be done with this funding.”

We can’t wait either Maria. Sign us up for a ticket on the solar railway as soon as possible!


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