TFGM PPA Energy Project

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is investigating the potential commitment into a corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), and is looking to partner with a renewable electricity developer to meet its clean energy goals, and reduce price volatility risk from its energy portfolio.

TfGM has a clear set of objectives for the PPA procurement and is looking to engage with interested developers as part of pre-market engagement who can meet the following:

• Power generation to meet demand of between 25 and 42 GWh annually.

• Likely a virtual PPA that would be operational by the end of 2027, though virtual is not confirmed at this stage.

• Competitive energy prices for a duration of 10 to 15 years.

• Additionality through the deployment of new renewable electricity generation capacity.

TfGM is the local government body responsible for transport across Greater Manchester, delivering an integrated transport network (known as the Bee Network) to improve lives by connecting people and places. We’re the proud owners of Metrolink (the UK’s largest light rail network) and we’re looking to expand it in future.

We’re taking bus services back under local control: we’re the first city region outside London to franchise bus services, and have committed to greening our network through zero emission vehicles. All local bus services will be under local control as part of the Bee Network by January 2025, and we’re working to bring local rail services onto the Bee Network by 2030.

In addition to our Head Office in central Manchester, we own Greater Manchester’s major bus depots and bus stations, stops and shelters, invest in and manage new, modern transport interchanges, and manage a range of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across our estate, and more widely across Greater Manchester.

Based on this, we therefore have a large energy portfolio, and are looking at interventions to manage this effectively and efficiently.

Prior to commencement of a formal procurement exercise for a PPA, we intend to engage with the market to understand capacity, capability and appetite for the requirement. Further information on the opportunity, can be found on TfGM’s procurement portal.

To find out more, TfGM held a virtual Supplier Day on 08/07/24. The slides, and recording of the event, can be found in the attachment section of this project.